aeronautics

Grumman WF-2 Tracer BuNo 146303 and Grumman TF-1 Trader BuNo 136792 converted to WF-2 (E-1B) Tracer prototype (first flight as WF-2 December 17, 1956), inflight, circa 1956-1957. In the picture, the aerodynamic prototype is flying in formation with a production WF-2. An aluminum radome test shape was mounted over the TF-1 Traders shorter fuselage along with the radically modified tail unit and rear fuselage empennage. Note on the WF-2 nearest - the different location of the propeller strip versus the pilot's side window, which indicates where the fuselage was extended forward. XTF-1W BuNo 136792, was to be delivered as a standard TF-1 (C-1A) Trader, but was pulled off the Grumman production line and used as an aerodynamic prototype for the WF-2 (E-1B) Tracer airborne early warning aircraft. Fitted with a twin tail end and an aluminium aerodynamic radome test shape, but no electronics. On 11 September 1969 it arrived at the Overhaul and Repair Department of the Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and rebuilt into a standard C-1A, leaving the twin tail. After completion, the plane was assigned as a utility aircraft to NAS on 8 April 1970. It made the last U.S. Navy flight out of the closing NAS Quonset Point in 3 April 1974. Later on the aircraft served at other U.S. East Coast NAS before being retired at NAES Lakehurst, New Jersey (USA) on 3 February 1983. The aircraft is today on display at the Quonset Air Museum, North Kingstown, Rhode Island. In late 1962, Grumman WF-2 Tracer BuNo 146303 was redesignated to E-1B After long and varied service, retired to MASDC Arizona on Jan 16, 1970. June 16, 1977. Sold off to a local salvage company and eventually scrapped.

Ron Dorknerd Yes, please contact archives@sdasm.org for higher resolution images.

Vought F7U-3 Cutlass BuNo 129563 just lifting off the runway.