Dutch Modelling and Aviation

In Memoriam

Klaas Willem Jonker
(Wilko)
† April 30, 2018

On Monday, April 30, 2018, Wilko Jonker passed away after a long illness at the age of 58. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The Dutch military aviation and plastic model building were his hobby and on this website he has shared all the knowledge he has gathered about it over the many years. His hobby was able to distract him from the raging disease in his body until the last week of his life. The contacts with other hobbyists were a major support for him.

Grumman S-2 Tracker

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History

Development.

The US Navy requested the development of one twin engined aircraft in order to replace the teams of two single engined Warner and Strike aircraft, like the Avenger and Guardian. Grumman released Model G89 in in 1949 a twin engined ASW aircraft designed based up the specifications of the US Navy. In June 1950, after the G89 has been evaluated, Grumman was ordered to built two prototypes, with the designation XS2F-1. The first aircraft, bu.no. 129137 made its maiden flight early December 1952; the second prototype, BuNo 129138, in February 1953.
Extensive tests by the US Navy resulted in an initial order for fifteen aircraft, designation S2F-1.From 1962 the US NAVY changed their type designation and the S-2F-1 was now designated as S-2A.

Versions

S2F-1:
The S-2 was equipped with an AN/APS 38 search radar in a retractable, somewhat streamlined radome. [The retracted radome extended about 15 cm out of the fuselage; when it was lowered it extended about 62 cm.] Also a retractable MAD boom was, its extended length was 2,74 m. The first aircraft were also equipped with a bipolar APA-69 ECM direction finder on the cockpit. This was soon replaced with an APA-69 in a radome. Initially a searchlight of 70 million candle was mounted in the right wing, later this was replaced with one of 85 million candle. The bomb bay could contain torpedoes, bombs or depth bombs.
Under each wing three HVAR rockets or bombs could be hung. Aft of the nacelle eight SSQ-2 sonobuoys or a couple of larger SSQ-1 sonobuoys could be carried. Also fifteen SUS (Signal-Underwater-Sound)devices could be carried. These devices gave a small explosion under water, so the echoes could be analysed. Later the back of the nacelle was more streamlined.
Totally 755 aircraft were built, 130 examples were exported under MDAP conditions. Canada built another 99 examples of the S2F-1
US-2A:
An utility version, used to replace the C-45. All ASW equipment was removed, The back of the nacelles was closed. This version was also used for target towing.
S2F-1T:
This was a version for multi engine training. Also all ASW equipment was removed. later this version was designated as TS-2A. It was possible to carry practice bombs and torpedoes.
US-2B:
This was also a modified S-2F-1. It differed from the US-2A in that it could carry five passengers. The former bomb bay could contain extra fuel tanks.
S2F-1S:
An interim version, later designated as S-2B, was in fact a modernized S-2A. Modification was mainly the electronics, and installation of the JEZEBEL and JULIE acoustic systems.
S2F-1S1:
This was a modernized S2F-1 too, later designated as S-2F. Especial the ASW equipment was modernized and an improved JULIE-system was added.
S2F-2:
a later version which had an enlarged bomb bay, strengthened under wing suspension points and an enlarged stabilizer with about 12 cm.
Sixty of this type were built. Many were modified to US-2C. A small number were modified for photo reconnaissance duties.
S2F-3 (S-2D):
this was the third Tracker-variant, built by Grumman. Hundred of this version were delivered. The APA-69 ECM radome was removed; the original bomb bay was applied; totally 32 sonobouys could be carried. The engines were of an improved version and the wingspan was enlarged with 91 cm. Wing tips were rounded and contained ECM equipment.
S2S-3S:
this type was the last production version. An extra radome was added, a retractable blade antenna; internally the ASA-31 radar was replaced with the ASN-13 system, the auto-pilot was replaced with a more modern one and the fuel capacity was enlarged.

Canadian licence production

CS2F-1:
was delivered to the Canadian navy in February 1957. Totally 99 aircraft in two versions were built.The CS2F-1 differed from the S2F in the antennas and the lack of the APA-69 ECM radome on the canopy. most aircraft had a small antenna on the same location.
CS2F-2:
An improved version. The improvements mainly regarded the ASW sensor, the MAD-system and a modernized radar.
Externally the CS2F-2 differed from the CS2F-1 in the antennas.
CS2F-3:
In the period 1964 and 1967 a MLU was started. An ASN-501 tactical computer navigation system; an APN-03 doppler radar and improved JULIE/JEZEBEL-sensors were built in. The improved aircraft, also modified S2F-1 and S2F-2 aircraft, were designated as CS2F-3.

 

Technical information
Dimensions:
Length: 12,88 m Wingspan: 21,24 m
Height: 4,96 m Wing area: 46 m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 8603 kg Max. start weight: 12170 kg
Performances:
Max. speed: 407 km/hr Climbing speed: - m/min
Cruising speed: 240 km/hr    
Range: 1850 km Service ceiling: 6949 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Wright Cyclone R-1820-82 rated 1575 pk each
Crew: Four
Armament: 6 HAVAR 10 cm rockets;, 2 General Electric Mk.44 torpedoes; 2 Lulu depth bombs or two Mk. 101 conventional depth bombs.

 


In 1960 the RNlNAS received under MDAP conditions 26 Grumman S2F-1 Trackers. These aircraft were assigned to squadron 4, and based on carrier "Karel Doorman" and to squadron 320 and squadron 1 both based on air station Valkenburg received Trackers. Also squadron 5, also based at Valkenburg received some Trackers.

By the end of 1960, beginning of 1961 17 CS2F-1’s were received from Canada. Most aircraft of this batch were assigned to squadron 65 and based on Hato, Curacao. main duty was training and also local protection. Five CS2F-1's were assigned to squadron 4 on board of the 'Karel Doorman'.

In 1970 – 1971 the ex Canadian Trackers were with drawn from use. CS2F-1 184/H was preserved and present for a long period in the Anthony Fokker-school, The Hague. This Tracker is now on display at the "Traditiekamer MLD" at air base De Kooij".

Tracker 190 was also preserved and donated to the KLM for instructional purposes. Later it went to 'Bosbad Hoeven'. Later it had the fake serial 151 added, which was causing much confusion. This Tracker is now gone for years (and scrapped).

The original 151 was at the Nederlands Luchtvaart College at Hoofddorp and was transported 2007/2008 to Aviodrome at Lelystad Airport. It was in very good condition.

Grumman (C)S2F-1 Tracker ((C)S-2A) (1960-1971) onderzeebootbestrijdingsvliegtuigen staan op het Marinevliegkamp Hato op het eiland Curaçao van de Nederlandse Antillen.
Grumman (C)S2F-1 Tracker ((C)S-2A) (1960-1971) parked on naval air station Hato at Curaçao.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Het Grumman (C)S2F-1 Tracker ((C)S-2A) onderzeebootbestrijdingsvliegtuig 180 (1961-1971).
Grumman (C)S2F-1 Tracker 180.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

In the period 1969 – 1970 eighteen S2F-1 aircraft, being 149, 151, 153, 155 t/m 163; 164 t/m 169 and 171 were upgraded to S2N. Most internal equipment was modernized. External almost nothing changed, except for the type designation applied on the tail.
Four modernized aircraft, 151, 159, 160 and 168 were modified to US-2N. The MAD boom and equipment was removed.
The US-2N’s were used for target towing duties. Tracker 159 of Aviodrome, Lelystad is one of the US-2Ns.
In 1975 all remaining Trackers were withdrawn from use.

 


Grumman Tracker

 

   

 


Serial overview Grumman (U)S-2F and (C)S-2A Tracker.

Grumman (C)S-2A Tracker

Serial
Serial
 Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
 RCAF Serial
RCAF Serial
 Date in service
Date in service
 Date out of service
Date out of service
 Notes
notes
180 1502 DH-5-01 30-03-1961 01-03-1971 To fire brigade naval air station Valkenburg.
181 1503 DH-5-02 18-09-1961 11-06-1968 Scrapped
182 1504 DH-5-03 18-09-1961 01-08-1971 Used by fire brigade naval air station Valkenburg and scrapped.
183 1505 DH-5-04 18-09-1961 01-03-1971 For instructional purposes to TNO, Rijswijk
184 1506 DH-5-05 10-04-1961 01-01-1970 For instructional purposes to Anth. Fokkerschool, The Hague.
Nowadays at "Traditiekamer" De Kooy
185 1507 DH-5-06 18-09-1961 01-08-1971 For instructional purposes to LETS, Deelen
186 1511 DH-5-10 06-12-1960 01-10-1970 Scrapped
187 1512 DH-5-11 06-12-1960 22-04-1970 Scrapped
188 1513 DH-5-12 18-09-1961 13-05-1968 To MLTS and later Scrapped
189 1514 DH-5-13 06-12-1960 01-11-1969 Scrapped
190 1515 DH-5-14 18-09-1961 17-10-1968 For instructional purposes to KLM, Schiphol
191 1516 DH-5-15 30-03-1961 01-08-1969 Scrapped
192 1518 DH-5-17 30-03-1961 31-07-1970 Scrapped
193 1522 DH-5-21 06-12-1960 09-06-1970 To HTS Haarlem and later scrapped
194 1523 DH-5-22 06-12-1960 01-06-1970 Scrapped
195 1524 DH-5-23 10-04-1961 26-08-1966 Crashed near Aruba and written off.
196 1526 DH-5-25 18-09-1961 01-05-1968 Scrapped

 

Grumman (U)S-2A/N Tracker.

Serial
Serial
 US Fiscal Year nr..
US Fiscal Year nr.
 Date in service
Date in service
 Date out of service
Date out of service
 Notes
notes
146 147636 707 08-03-1960 21-07-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
147 147637 708 08-03-1960 15-05-1972 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
148 147638 709 07-04-1960 31-12-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
149 147639 710 11-04-1960 27-09-1974 Modified to S-2N 11-1970.
Preserved, but later scrapped.
150 147640 711 11-04-1960 11-01-1962 Crashed near Katwijk an written off.
151 147641 712 23-04-1960 07-01-1976 Modified to S-2N in 12-1970.
Preserved; to Bosbad Hoeven.
Later to ROC, Hoofddorp and nowadays at Aviodrome, Lelystad.
152 147642 713 23-04-1960 18-03-1963 Crashed in sea near Gibraltar and written off.
153 147643 714 25-05-1960 04-11-1974 Modified to S-2N in 9-1970.
Returned to US Navy 1974
154 147644 715 25-05-1960 31-08-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
155 147645 716 25-06-1960 09-02-1974 Modified to S-2N at Fairey, Canada, 6-1968.
Scrapped
156 148278 717 18-08-1960 09-02-1974 Modified to S-2N at Fairey, Canada, 6-1968.
Scrapped
157 148279 718 25-06-1960 07-01-1976 Modified to S-2N in 3-1970.
Preserved.
Current status unknown.
158 148280 719 25-06-1960 23-02-1974 Modified to S-2N in 9-1969.
Scrapped
159 148281 720 25-06-1960 07-01-1976 Modified to S-2N in 9-1969.
Preserved, to Aviodome (nowadays Aviodrome).
In very poor condition.
160 148282 721 18-08-1960 07-01-1976 Modified to S-2N in 12-1970.
Preserved;
Currently in Militaire Luchtvaart Museum, Soesterberg
161 148283 722 18-08-1960 02-12-1974 Modified to S-2N in 3-1970.
Returned to US Navy in 1974
162 148284 723 23-08-1960 09-02-1974 Modified to S-2N in 3-1969.
Scrapped.
163 148285 724 23-08-1960 13-10-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
164 148286 725 23-08-1960 02-12-1974 Modified to S-2N in 6-1969.
Returned to US Navy in 1974.
165 148287 726 23-08-1960 04-11-1974 Modified to S-2N in 11-1969.
Returned to US Navy in 1974
166 148288 727 21-10-1960 27-09-1974 Modified to S-2N in 3-1970.
Stored and later scrapped.
167 148289 728 21-10-1960 27-09-1974 Modified to S-2N in 9-1970.
Stored and later scrapped.
168 148290 729 21-10-1960 07-01-1976 Modified to S-2N in 2-1970.
Stored and later scrapped.
169 148291 730 12-01-1961 27-09-1974 Modified to S-2N in 6-1970.
Stored and later scrapped.
170 148292 731 15-12-1960 15-05-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
171 148293 732 15-12-1960 27-9-1974 Modified to S-2N in 8-1970.
Stored and later scrapped.
172 136459 368 30-03-1962 21-7-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.
173 136576 485 30-03-1962 28-12-1971 Via MAAG to Turkish Navy.

 


1/72nd Scale

Kits

  • Hasegawa
    • Kit JS-102: a model of a Grumman S-2F-1 (S-2A) Tracker [ also released by Revell with decals for a Dutch aircraft]
  • Hobbycraft
    • Kit 1351: a model of a Grumman S2F-1 (S-2A) Tracker. [virtually the same as the Hasegawa kit]

 

Grumman S 2A Tracker AKleijn
A model of a Grumman US-2N Tracker, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Grumman (C)S2A Tracker AKleijn
A model of a Canadair (Grumman) CS-2A Tracker, buitl by Adri Kleijn.

 

Modelling add-on

  • Aeroclub
    • Set V173: S2F Tracker Landing Gear
  • Eduard
    • Set 72-267: Detailset Grumman S2F Tracker interior (Hasegawa)
    • Set 72-268: Detailset Grumman S2F Tracker exterior (Hasegawa)
    • Set SS322: Grumman S2F Tracker (Hasegawa)
    • Set XS206: Express Mask Grumman S2F Tracker (Hasegawa)
  • Pavla
    • Set C72056: Grumman S2F-1 Tracker Cockpit and operators station
  • QuickBoost
    • Set 72059: S2F Tracker engines (Hasegawa)
  • Vector Resin
    • Set 72014: Wright R1820 "Cyclone" (Late)

Decals

  • Model Decal
    • Set 030: A decalset with decals for Jaguar, Phantom, Javelin(RAF), Tracker(MLD)
  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 72028: A decalset with decals for several Dutch Trackers
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set 72-009: A decalset with decals for Karel Doorman 1968 Cruise (Sikorsky UH-34J & Grumman S-2A Tracker)

1/48th Scale

Kits

  • Kinetic
    • Kit 48024: Kit of a S-2E/G version with parts for the S-2A (check the length of the fuselage!)
    • Kit 48039: Grumman S2A Tracker (S2F-1, CS2F-1)
  • Italeri
    • Kit 342699: Grumman S2E/F/G Tracker: Re-release ot the Kinetic kit.

Modelling add-on

  • Aires
    • Set 4593: S2F Tracker Wheels and paint mask (Kinetic)
  • Eduard
    • Set BIG4965: Detailset Grumman S2E Tracker (Kinetic/Italeri)
    • Set E49-564 / FE564: Detailset Grumman S2E Tracker Interior Self Adhesive (Italeri)
    • Set E48-701: Detailset S2E Tracker Exterior (Kinetic/Italeri)
    • Set E48-700: Detailset S2E Tracker Undercarriage (Kinetic/Italeri) Eduard
    • Set E48-699: Detailset S2E Tracker Bomb Bay (Kinetic/Italeri) Eduard
  • Scale Aircraft Conversions
    • Set 48130: S2F Tracker Landing Gear (replacement for 1/48 Kinetic)
  • Wolfpack
    • Set 48137: Tracker Wing Folded set (Kinetic)

Decals

  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 48044: A deccalset for several Dutch Grumman Trackers and Airspeed Oxfords
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set 48-009: A deccalset for Karel Doorman 1968 Cruise (Sikorsky UH-34J & Grumman S-2A Tracker)

 

At the (Dutch) site Vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl one can find many photos about the Dutch Tracker, also an extensive photo session of Tracker 160.

 


The Dutch S2F-1’s had a two tone colour scheme of Extra Dark Sea Grey on the upper surfaces and sky on the lower surfaces.
The CS2F-1’s were delivered in a Canadian colour scheme with Canadian colours, Dark Grey, [the Canadian version of RAF Extra Dark Sea Grey] on the upper surfaces and Light Grey, [the Canadian version of RAF Medium Sea Grey] on the lower surfaces. [Information via IPMS Canada; Steve Sauve: .”.For the colours of the aircraft, the RCN colour officially known as Light Grey (not Light Sea Grey) is the same as the RAF's Medium Sea Grey, and the colour known by the RCN as Dark Grey (not Dark Sea Grey ) is matched by FAA Extra Dark Sea Grey. Both are readily available from most model paint producers…”……………….); so upper surfaces in BS 640 = FS~6099 and the under sides in BS637 = FS ~6270

At Http://hedgehoghollow.com/buzz/Colour_Guide/rcnair_clr.html is referred to FS36099 (ca H-123 and X-376) on the upper surfaces and FS16314 (X-143) on the lower surfaces of the Canadian Trackers. When compared with photos and colours at Http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorcharts/stuff_eng_colorcharts_fs.htm , FS ~6270 might be a better match than FS ~6314.

After an overhaul several Canadian Trackers were sprayed in the same colour scheme as the US Trackers. The Anthony Fokker-school had a CS2F-1 184/H, in this colour scheme. Nowadays this Tracker is on display at air field De Kooy, Den Helder.

The spinners were mostly painted black, but sometimes the squadron colours were applied.squadron 320, orange; squadron 4 blue and squadron 2 in red. The interior of the CS-2F’s was dark green; US-2 were more yellowish. Instrument panels in black. Seat were orange.

Scheme Colour name FS number BS number Humbrol XtraColor Vallejo ModelColor Vallejo ModelAir Hataka
Standard #1 Upper surfaces Extra Dark Sea Grey ~6099 BS:640 123 / 106 X005 / X376 70.866 71.110 ~140
Lower surfaces. Sky - BS:210 90 X004 / X130 - 71.302 ~026
Delivery scheme Canadair (Grumman) CS-2A Tracker
Standard #2 (CS-2A only) Upper surfaces Extra Dark Sea Grey ~6099 BS:640 123 / 106 X005 / X376 70.866 71.110 ~140
Undersides Medium Sea Grey ~6270 BS:637 126 / 165 X3 / X133 70.870 71.270 ~141

Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

Grumman S-2F Tracker

Grumman_S2F_Tracker-1-1-SMALL
S-2F Tracker.

 

Grumman/Canadair CS-2F Tracker

Grumman CS2 Tracker-1-SMALL
CS-2F Tracker: Still in the Canadian grey colour scheme.
Grumman CS2 Tracker-2-SMALL
CS-2F Tracker with the later applied standard RNlNAS colour scheme of dark grey and sky.

 


Literature.

Van Farman tot Neptune 2 Hugo Hooftman Pag. 173 – 179 1965 La Rivière & Voorhoeve, Zwolle
RT ‘Random Thoughts IPMS Canada’:; Vol. 9; no. 2: Tracker Colors     02-1976 IPMS Canada
RT ‘Random Thoughts IPMS Canada’:; Vol. 9; no. 1: Tracker part One     01-1976 IPMS Canada
MIP 1975/4: Grumman S2F Tracker Special     1975 IPMS Nederland
Zestig jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in Beeld. Hugo Hooftman Pag. 136 - 139 1977 Uitgever: Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
Dutch Military Aviation 1945-1978 Paul A. Jackson Pag. 72; 85 1978 Uitgever: Midland Countries Publications, Leicester
Nederlandse Marinevliegtuigen Thijs Postma & Nico Geldhof Pag. 60 - 61 1978 Uitgever: Omniboek, 's Gravenhage
Vliegen voor de Vloot; 70 jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst Harm J. Hazewinkel Pag. 50 - 51 1987 Uitgever: Rebo Produkties, Sassenheim
70 Jaar Marine-LuchtvaartDienst Nico Geldhof Pag. 103; 131 - 132 1987 Uitgeverij Eisma b.v., Leeuwarden
Vliegtuigsquadrons 320 en 321 50 jaar P. Staal & Peter Baeten Pag. 70 1990 Uitgever: Afdeling Maritieme Historie van Min.v.Def., 's Gravenhage
Aircraft number 100: S2F Tracker in Acton J. Sullivan Pag. 6 - 13; 21 - 23 1990 Squadron/Dignal Publications Inc. Carrolton, Texas
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
85 Jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in beeld Van Farman tot NH 90 Helikopter Peter Korbee Pag. 130 - 131; 134 - 135 2002 Uitgever: Korbee MLD Promotie, Valkenburg

 

Websites.

 

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