S-2 Tracker / VS-31

Grumman S-2 Tracker model. The S-2 Tracker is a carrier-based antisubmarine search and attack aircraft It was one of the first aircraft designed to combine the detection equipment and armament to hunt and destroy submarines while operating from aircraft carriers.

The first flight of the prototype S-2 was 4 December 1952, and production deliveries started in 1953. A total of 1,342 aircraft were eventually built in 16 configurations. The major configurations included the S-2 Tracker, the C-1 Trader, and the E-1B Tracer. Testing of the various versions and configurations of the aircraft continued here at Patuxent River from the early 1950's through the early 1970's. The last US Navy Fleet operational squadron (VS-37) flying Trackers was disestablished on 28 August 1976.

Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/48. Wingspan 11 1/2 inches, Length 19 inches.