Grumman WF-2 / E-1B Tracer

1h ago · © Jack.aviation320

This is a Grumman E-1B Tracer on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.It was the first purpose-built airborne early warning aircraft operated by the United States Navy.The large black dome on top is a radome, which housed the aircraft's radar equipment

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Aircraft

WF-2 / E-1B Tracer E1B

US Navy Gray/White

Airline

United States Navy

Manufacturer

Grumman

Gear

iPhone 17 pro max iPhone 17 pro max mp fusion main

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

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Photo grade

Silver

Score: 82.0

Dynamic close-up with strong sharpness; info plaque adds context, but tight crop and people on right slightly distract.

Insights

Aviation History

The Grumman E-1B Tracer was the US Navy\'s first purpose-built airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft and precursor to the E-2 Hawkeye, famous for its distinctive radome and use from aircraft carriers during the Cold War.

Fleet Rarity

Extremely rare; no longer active, only a handful preserved in museums.

Record Flights

Typically did not operate record-setting flights; was notable for its carrier-borne AEW capability.

Safety & Events

Served in the Vietnam War and various Cold War carrier operations.

Future Outlook

This airframe is preserved as a museum exhibit.

Specifications

2 × Wright R-1820-82WA Cyclone 9-cylinder radial engines

Engine

22.06 m

Wingspan

13.56 m

Length

1,930 km

Range

370 km/h

Speed

Crew: 4 (pilot, copilot, two radar operators)

Capacity

12,800 kg

MTOW

5.56 m

Height

Per engine: 1,525 hp

Thrust

Not available (military prop, predates ICAO Chapter 3/4 standards)

Noise