aircraft/loadouts Grumman S2F-1 Tracker

[Miki_Hoshii 2,420]

Hello everyone! Today I would like to present to you the Grumman S2F-1 Tracker (Later designated S-2A by the USN) operated by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Aviation!

 

 With both Japan lacking aircraft compared to other nations; and with the introduction of Naval forces looming I would like to present one of a few possible JMSDF aircraft we could see in War Thunder!

 

 

History:

The Grumman S2F-1 Tracker was the first variant of a new generation of carrier operated dedicated Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft; replacing the earlier AF Guardian in USN service. The aircraft was a twin engine high wing design with an asymmetrical weapons bay and the required wing folding mechanisms and tail hook to operate off of US carriers. The aircraft was powered by a pair of 1,525 HP Wright R-1820-82WA radial engines, which in spite being old technology at provided long loiter times and good fuel efficiency. The aircraft was equipped with a smoke particle detector; a AN/ALD-3 ECM direction finder; a AN/APS-38 surface search radar; and a AN/ASQ-8 Magnetic Anomaly Detector. The aircraft came equipped  The aircraft was able to carry a assortment of weapons in either its internal bay; or on its six wing pylons. Weapons that it could carry range from rockets, and bombs; to homing torpedoes (four under the wings) and naval mines. This made the S2F a potent enemy to any soviet submarine trying to hide from its "eyes". 60 S2F-1's were supplied to the JSDF between April 1957 till June 1959 through the Military Assistance Program; these aircraft were promptly deployed at Hachinohe Air Base, Shimosa Air Base, and Tokushima Air Base. As the aircraft aged, some were converted into both personnel transports or target tugs for Warship anti-aircraft gunnery training. The final S2F-1's were retired by the JMSDF on March 30th, 1983 marking nearly 26 years of service.

 

 

 

In-Game:

The Grumman S2F-1 Tracker will most likely slot in-between the P1Y1 and R2Y2's on the Japanese naval attack line in War Thunder; being a slow and relatively agile aircraft of its size (53.9 lb/sqft of wing loading at max weight which is similar to the P1Y1) with a BR between 5.0 and 6.0 due to its weapon payload in comparison to its contemporaries in the Japanese tree. If given its homing torpedoes, the S2F-1 could prove a menace in high tier naval force matches; with its low speed being its Achilles heel. The high count of Torpedoes however will certainly make the aircraft a favorite among warship hunters; as a payload of six torpedoes is currently unmatched in War Thunder; additionally the option to mount rockets under the wings could prove a treat as well. While initially a vulnerable and slow aircraft; if unopposed by hostile air forces the S2F-1 would truly be able to rain down terror upon future naval captains in War Thunder. It should be noted that the modern torpedoes that the S2F carry would allow it to launch torpedoes outside most AA cover range.

 

 

Specifications:

 

General characteristics:

 

Crew: four (two pilots, two detection systems operators)

Length: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)

Wingspan: 72 ft 7 in (22.12 m)

Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)

Wing area: 485 ft² (45.06 m²)

Empty weight: 18,315 lb (8,310 kg)

Loaded weight: 23,435 lb (10,630 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 26,147 lb (11,860 kg)

Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-82WA radial engines, 1,525 hp (1,137 kW) each

 

Performance:

 

Maximum speed: 280 mph (450 km/h) at sea level

Cruise speed: 150 mph (240 km/h)

Range: 1,350 mi (2,170 km) or 9 hours endurance

Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,700 m)

 

Armament:

 

1x Mk.34 Torpedo

- - Range: 3.3 km (2 mi)

- - Speed: 31 km/h (20 mph)

- - Explosive mass: 52.6 kg (116 lb)

- - TNT equivalent:  72.5 kg (159.8 lb)

6x Mk.44 Torpedoes

- - Range: 5.5 km (3.4 mi)

- - Speed: 56 km/h (35 mph)

- - Explosive mass: 34 kg (75 lb)

- - TNT equivalent:  43.9 kg (96.8 lb)

2x Mk.46 Torpedoes

- - Range: 7.3 km (4.5 mi)

- - Speed: 91 km/h (57 mph)

- - Explosive mass: 44.5 kg (98 lb)

- - TNT equivalent:  59.2 kg (130.5 lb)

1x Mk.25 1850 lb naval mine

1x Mk.36 1000 lb naval mine

1x Mk.52 1000 lb naval mine

1x Mk.55 2000 lb naval mine

10x AN-M56 250 lb bombs

2x AN-M64 500 lb bombs*

1x Mk.82 500 lb bomb*

5x Type 67 150 kg depth charge

6x 127mm HVAR rockets

6x 127mm ASR rockets

 

Other:

AN/APS-38 radar

 

*Estimated payload based on bomb bay dimensions

 

 

Sources:

Spoiler

https://www.navyhistory.org.au/ran-aircraft-hoisting-changing-techniques/2/

http://www.s2tracker.com/Tracker page.htm

https://ingeniumcanada.org/aviation/collection-research/artifact-grumman-cp-121-tracker.php

http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/jmsdf-squadron-histories

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_S-2_Tracker

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-2_(航空機)

S-2 Tracker, Famous Airplanes of the World (Blue Series) No. 67 (Bunrindo, Nov. 1975)

http://dansa.minim.ne.jp/His-Mil-S2F-000.htm

 

Edited November 14, 2020 by Miki_Hoshii

[CokeSpray 7,117]

Open for discussion.

 

Thank you for your submission. 

 

As it stands, your suggestion still lacks a list of sources you used to create the suggestion. Please add these in accordance to the rules within 48 hours from now, otherwise the thread will be permanently locked.

[Miki_Hoshii 2,420]

@CokeSpray

 

Added sources; And made minor edits in regard to things that didn't apply to this variant of the Tracker.

 

PS. Sorry for the lack of sources; Things were different from when I last posted a aircraft suggestion (Two years ago!!)

[EpicBlitzkrieg87 8,326]

+1 seems great for naval warfare

[swpixy 1,219]

Gib,and also gib for the US.

[Borotovas 4,460]

+1 It would be unique and I like it. I’d fly it.

[MandolinMagi 603]

So no defensive guns of any kind, relatively small bombload, and slow speed.

 

Why do you want this? Why do people suggest unarmed patrol planes?

[Borotovas 4,460]

46 minutes ago, MandolinMagi said:

So no defensive guns of any kind, relatively small bombload, and slow speed.

 

Why do you want this? Why do people suggest unarmed patrol planes?

 

I see it as a fun plane to bomb with. 

[Sonoda_Kotori 770]

Vehicles like this are somewhat "awkward" in WT. On one hand they are slow and unarmed guns-wise, which will result in a very low BR (like a B-25). On the other hand, such vehicles are built in a later date with advanced technologies (homing torpedoes in this case), making them unfair/OP in some aspects when it's at a low BR. BTR-152 and ASU-57 along with the Nasty PTF already ruined the historical immersions enough. Although it's a very cool aircraft and I would absolutely love to see it (and homing torps) in WT, I think it's just an awkward addition that belongs nowhere in WT's meta.

On the other hand, the P2V series (or P2J) seems to be a much more viable addition.

[Borotovas 4,460]

10 hours ago, Sonoda_Kotori said:

Vehicles like this are somewhat "awkward" in WT. On one hand they are slow and unarmed guns-wise, which will result in a very low BR (like a B-25). On the other hand, such vehicles are built in a later date with advanced technologies (homing torpedoes in this case), making them unfair/OP in some aspects when it's at a low BR. BTR-152 and ASU-57 along with the Nasty PTF already ruined the historical immersions enough. Although it's a very cool aircraft and I would absolutely love to see it (and homing torps) in WT, I think it's just an awkward addition that belongs nowhere in WT's meta.

On the other hand, the P2V series (or P2J) seems to be a much more viable addition.

 

What if it’s added at BR 7.3, so that it would be historically accurate.

[Sonoda_Kotori 770]

3 hours ago, Borotovas said:

 

What if it’s added at BR 7.3, so that it would be historically accurate.

But it would be too slow at that BR...

[Borotovas 4,460]

4 hours ago, Sonoda_Kotori said:

But it would be too slow at that BR...

 

Then how was it not too slow in the real world, that it was bought post-war when there were faster planes available?

[Sonoda_Kotori 770]

44 minutes ago, Borotovas said:

 

Then how was it not too slow in the real world, that it was bought post-war when there were faster planes available?

Because the Tracker, along with every other naval patrol aircraft, was designed to operate only when aerial supremacy is achieved by other fighters. No sane commander would send a weak, defenseless, and slow patrol plane deep inside enemy territories (The Taiwanese tried it with P2V-7, and it was soon obliterated by MiG-17s).

Such patrol craft also flies within a nation's own ocean territories for, just like its name suggests, "patrols".

[Admiral_Aruon 2,254]

despite being defenseless, the S2F-1 would be a naval battles headhunter provided any of the quartet of torps it packs can be dropped from a relatively high altitude and velocity.

 

and unlike other unarmed bombers like the Canberra/B-57A and Ar 234 B-2 the S2F isn't a speed demon, meaning it can't just infinitely run.

 

in naval RB it would require balancing opposing playstyles (ultraconservative and essentially a naval Hit and Run) but if the repair cost is low enough the rewards from downing a ship could make it a viable plane despite having a very short life expectancy.

but in air RB it would be the TBF-1 on crack.

 

so a +1 from me

Edited June 23, 2018 by Admiral_Aruon

[Borotovas 4,460]

5 hours ago, Sonoda_Kotori said:

Because the Tracker, along with every other naval patrol aircraft, was designed to operate only when aerial supremacy is achieved by other fighters. No sane commander would send a weak, defenseless, and slow patrol plane deep inside enemy territories (The Taiwanese tried it with P2V-7, and it was soon obliterated by MiG-17s).

Such patrol craft also flies within a nation's own ocean territories for, just like its name suggests, "patrols".

 

Thats similar to the already existing bombers which aren’t armed. Like Arado, Canberra, Vautour B. They require that other planes achieve superiority. And their speed is also slow and they can be caught up by most fighters at their BR. If this plane has a bomber spawn, it can easily dive and get maybe a ship kill at 7.3 BR and go back to base before any enemies see it. I’ve seen Ju 88s in jet matches get lots of points from killing tanks and returning home, so this would be fine too. It wouldn’t be impossible to fly, you just need to be smart with it at 7.3 BR.

[Sonoda_Kotori 770]

2 hours ago, Borotovas said:

 

Thats similar to the already existing bombers which aren’t armed. Like Arado, Canberra, Vautour B. They require that other planes achieve superiority. And their speed is also slow and they can be caught up by most fighters at their BR. If this plane has a bomber spawn, it can easily dive and get maybe a ship kill at 7.3 BR and go back to base before any enemies see it. I’ve seen Ju 88s in jet matches get lots of points from killing tanks and returning home, so this would be fine too. It wouldn’t be impossible to fly, you just need to be smart with it at 7.3 BR.

Not really. Arado at 6.7 can outrun props and even early jets. Canberra is also pretty fast (only 100-200kph slower than the fighters). As of the Vautour IIB, its airspeed is a four-figure number.

The Tracker, on the other hand, enjoys a WHOPPING 450 KPH at 7.3, and is still 200kph slower than a fighter in a level flight even it got downtier to 6.3. Now imagine this thing flying in a 8.0/8.3 uptier and facing planes that flies more than twice of its speed...

[Admiral_Aruon 2,254]

the Tracker is a 5.0 at absolute highest and more of a 4.7 or 4.3.

 

there's not a chance in hell this thing should see any of the current jets ingame. its bomb load is nowhere near impressive, and 4 torps just gives it more flexibility in what it can target.

[Guest]

The strength of this aircraft is in torpedoes. In reality, that is acceptable. In game, torpedoes are a form of suicide. I say introduce it at a low level, even with the guided ordinance. Torpedoes in game are inferior to bombs, perhaps the guidance factor would make them more usable. The aircraft is already at a disadvantage entering a torpedo attack run, guidance systems could make up for that. 

 

Supported. 

[MandolinMagi 603]

On 22/06/2018 at 23:59, Borotovas said:

 

I see it as a fun plane to bomb with. 

Sure its fun, until anything notices that you're a free kill.

 

On 24/06/2018 at 18:37, Admiral_Aruon said:

the Tracker is a 5.0 at absolute highest and more of a 4.7 or 4.3.

 

there's not a chance in hell this thing should see any of the current jets ingame. its bomb load is nowhere near impressive, and 4 torps just gives it more flexibility in what it can target.

Those 4 torps can't kill anything. The Mark 46 has a 97lb warhead, which is peanuts.

 

On 24/06/2018 at 19:12, Invader9908 said:

The strength of this aircraft is in torpedoes. In reality, that is acceptable. In game, torpedoes are a form of suicide. I say introduce it at a low level, even with the guided ordinance. Torpedoes in game are inferior to bombs, perhaps the guidance factor would make them more usable. The aircraft is already at a disadvantage entering a torpedo attack run, guidance systems could make up for that. 

 

Supported. 

The S2F carries anti-sub torpedoes. You shouldn't be able to hit a ship with them, and the warhead is too small to do anything

[Borotovas 4,460]

7 hours ago, MandolinMagi said:

Sure its fun, until anything notices that you're a free kill.

 

The S2F carries anti-sub torpedoes. You shouldn't be able to hit a ship with them, and the warhead is too small to do anything

 

It's a small plane, no one will notice you.

 

Then we need to add subs.

[Admiral_Aruon 2,254]

On 13/07/2018 at 15:17, MandolinMagi said:

Those 4 torps can't kill anything. The Mark 46 has a 97lb warhead, which is peanuts.

 

the S2F-1 also has access to the mark 35 torpedo (alongside the mark 34, mark 43, mark 44, and mark 46). that had 122.5 kg of Torpex so roughly 183.75 kilos of TNT equivalent.

 

don't forget that the materials used in these cold war era torps are about more than just simple HE damage. so it's going to require gaijin to modernize their damage models for torpedoes anyway.

[Miki_Hoshii 2,420]

Updated weapon information:

 

Removed all weaponry not operated by the JMSDF or JASDF

Confirmed payload of 6 torpedoes through training videos. 2 internal, 4 total on the most inner, and outer pylons on wings.

Added Mk.82 500 lb bomb with a conservative estimation, higher payload may be possible

Specified torpedo capabilities

7-Tube 70mm rocket pods were used on S2F's, however ive only found info regarding the JASDF and JGSDF using 19 tube pods. Unable to confirm 19 tube pod usage on S2F.

 

I did get my hands on a S2F flight manual, however weaponry information was redacted on that copy.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 21, 2019 by Miki_Hoshii

[aizenns 3,584]

9 hours ago, Miki_Hoshii said:

Updated weapon information:

 

Removed all weaponry not operated by the JMSDF or JASDF

Confirmed payload of 6 torpedoes through training videos. 2 internal, 4 total on the most inner, and outer pylons on wings.

Added Mk.82 500 lb bomb with a conservative estimation, higher payload may be possible

Specified torpedo capabilities

7-Tube 70mm rocket pods were used on S2F's, however ive only found info regarding the JASDF and JGSDF using 19 tube pods.

 

I did get my hands on a S2F flight manual, however weaponry information was redacted on that copy.

 

 

 

 

Great work!

I guess in that time JMSDF using USN’s one.

https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk50機雷_(シリーズ)

https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk25機雷

[Fireraid233 4,105]

+1

[Miki_Hoshii 2,420]

9 hours ago, aizenns said:

Great work!

I guess in that time JMSDF using USN’s one.

https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk50機雷_(シリーズ)

https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk25機雷

Thank you, added all the mines to the list.

 

Given their weight and size, its likely just a payload of one mine internally.

 

Also, heres some weapons for the USN S2F

 

Edited August 17, 2019 by Miki_Hoshii