Grumman C-2 Greyhound
The Grumman C-2 Greyhound is a twin-engine transport aircraft for the U.S. Navy, which is used for the supply of the aircraft carrier at sea. This sea-side supply is called Carrier Onboard Delivery ( COD).
Development
The C -2A Greyhound was developed by the Grumman Aerospace Corporation using fuselage sections, the wings and the engines of the Grumman E-2C; with the new machine, the Grumman C-1 Trader in the role of COD was replaced. A ramp in the rear fuselage item features continue the C -2A compared with the E-2C. The two prototypes flew in 1964 and production began in 1965. The first C -2A - 1973 units were a major overhaul subjected to prolonged life expectancy. In 1984, a contract for the construction of 39 new units was closed, which should replace the oldest models. These new devices are referred to because of their similarity to the original as -2A Reproduced C or C -2A (R). These machines receive many improvements which include, for example, the trunk and the electronics. All the old models were retired by 1987; the last new unit was put into service in 1990.
Purpose
Powered by two Allison T56 turboprop engines, the C -2A record around 4500 kg load; either as freight, with passengers, or both. It can be equipped as a simple hospital - plane to fly out slightly wounded soldiers. Also important cargo as spare engines will be transported to the combat forces within a few hours of the country. The large cargo door at the rear and a large cargo door in the side of the machine as well as the built- winds make for quick loading and unloading of the machine. Furthermore, the C -2A provides the ability to shed load from the open hatch. All in all, the C -2A in order to cover a large spectrum of applications. Furthermore, it has ( in addition to the folding wings, which are vital to aircraft carriers to keep the footprint of the machine as small as possible ) a built -start system for their engines. So they can remain ready for use even in remote locations.
Use
In the period from November 1985 to February 1987, the VR -24 transport squadron made an extraordinary commitment: it transported a million tons of cargo, a million letters and 14,000 passengers to the locations in the Mediterranean and in Europe. Furthermore, the squadron made during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and in Operation Enduring Freedom support for the carrier battle groups (Carrier Strike Groups, short CSG).
The units go through during their period of use a so-called SLEP (Service Life Extension Program), to be capable of currently planned 15,000 landings and 10,000 flight hours to 36,000 landings and 15,000 flight hours. The modernization affect the cell, the electronics and equipment with the sechsblätterigen "Navy propeller 2000 '( NP -2000). These measures are the C -2A make until they are replaced at an economical and maintenance- friendly aircraft. Successor to the Grumman C-2 is probably the Bell - Boeing V-22 Osprey.
Specifications
- Minimal (empty weight ): 236 kg / m²
- Nominal ( normal takeoff weight ): 345 kg / m²
- Maximum ( maximum takeoff weight ): 379 kg / m²