The Grumman E-1B Tracer was the world’s first dedicated carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. Developed for the United States Navy, it was a specialized derivative of the C-1 Trader cargo aircraft and the S-2 Tracker anti-submarine aircraft. Its unique and highly recognizable feature was the large, dome-shaped radar fairing, known as a “rotodome,” mounted above the fuselage. The E-1B’s primary role was to extend the radar horizon of the aircraft carrier fleet, detecting incoming hostile aircraft and ships at long ranges, and coordinating fighter interception. Its informal nickname among aviators was the “Willy Fudd,” due to its distinctive radar dome resembling the head of the cartoon character Elmer Fudd. The E-1B served as the Navy’s main AEW platform throughout the 1960s before being replaced by the E-2 Hawkeye.
Property
Typical Value (E-1B Tracer)
型
Carrier-based Airborne Early Warning (AEW)
National Origin
米国
メーカー
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Entered Service
1960
乗組員
4 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Radar Operator, CIC Operator)
長さ
13.26 m (43 ft 6 in)
翼
22.12 m (72 ft 7 in)
Max Takeoff Weight
Approx. 13,200 kg (29,000 lb)
Powerplant and Sensor Systems
Engines: 2 x Wright R-1820-82WA Cyclone nine-cylinder radial engines.
Engine Power: 1,525 hp (1,137 kW) each.
Maximum Speed: Approx. 462 km/h (287 mph).
Endurance: Designed for typical missions of up to 4 to 5 hours on station.
Radar System: APS-82 radar housed in the massive fixed rotodome (6.1 m x 0.9 m or 20 ft x 3 ft). The radar rotated slowly, providing 360-degree coverage.
Carrier Operations: Equipped with a retractable tailhook for arrested landings on aircraft carriers and folding wings for storage.
Operating Environment: Essential for providing air defense for US carrier battle groups, particularly against Soviet bombers and missile threats.
Service History and Legacy
Vietnam War: The E-1B was heavily used during the Vietnam War, flying countless combat air patrol and search and rescue coordination missions over the Tonkin Gulf.
Radar Evolution: The success of the E-1B’s concept proved the viability of carrier-based AEW, paving the way for the sophisticated E-2 Hawkeye.
Design Family: The E-1B belongs to the “Stoof” family of Grumman aircraft, which included the S-2 Tracker (S-Stoof), C-1 Trader (C-Stoof), and the E-1B (Willy Fudd).
Retirement: The E-1B was retired from active US Navy service in 1977, having been entirely replaced by the jet-powered E-2 Hawkeye, which offered greater speed, altitude, and more advanced radar capabilities.
International Use: Unlike its S-2 Tracker sibling, the E-1B was used exclusively by the US Navy.
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