GRUMMAN C-1A TRADER
A derivative of the S-2 Tracker appeared in 1955 as the Grumman C-1 Trader that was designed as a Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft to provide passenger, mail and cargo services to deployed carriers.
The C-1A could be configured to carry up to nine passengers or up to 4,800 lbs of high priority cargo whose dimensions were compatible with those of the cargo area and/or the fuselage access doors (this included small jet engines).
The Traders normally operated from overseas shore-based VR (transport) squadrons and, in many situations, as detachments from other foreign military fields, e.g., Philippines, Turkey, Greece, Norway, etc., to support naval requirements.
Some aircraft carriers had a C-1A permanently assigned to provide proficiency time for eligible ship’s pilots. The C-1A was the last piston driven carrier aircraft in the Navy and served until September 30, 1988.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Span: | 72′ 7″ |
| Length: | 45′ 4″ |
| Height: | 16′ 10″ |
| Weight: | 20,638 lbs |
| Armament: | None |
| Engines: | Two Wright R-1820-82WA at 1,525 each |
| Crew: | Three (3); two pilots, an aircrewman who served as the plane captain, mechanic & loadmaster |
| Cost: | |
| Tail Number: | 136790 |
| Years in Service: | 1962 – 1988 |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Maximum Speed: | 253 mph |
| Cruising Speed: | 163 mph |
| Range: | 1,000 miles |
| Service Ceiling: | 15,800 feet |