Grumman E-1 Tracer

Grumman E-1 Tracer
Country	USA
Role	Carrier Airborne early warning
First flight	17 December 1956
Built	88

The Grumman E-1 Tracer was the first purpose built airborne early warning aircraft used by the United States Navy. It was a derivative of the Grumman C-1 Trader and first entered service in 1958. It was replaced by the more modern Grumman E-2 Hawkeye by the 1970s.

Source: Grumman E-1 Tracer on Wikipedia

Grumman E-1B Tracer Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Pima Air Museum, Tuscon
Photos	139

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E1-B Tracer Walk Around
Photographer	Mike Jones
Localisation	USS Yorktown museum
Photos	20

E1-B Tracer

Grumman E-1B (147212) Tracer Walk Around
Photographer	Weichao Chen
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	58

General Characteristics and Role

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)
Type	Carrier-based Airborne Early Warning (AEW)
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Entered Service	1960
Crew	4 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Radar Operator, CIC Operator)
Length	13.26 m (43 ft 6 in)
Wingspan	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.