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E-1B Tracer
Statistics for E-1B Tracer
type
Twin-engined Airborne Early Warning Aircraft
bureau number
147225
nmna id
2005.069.001
manufacturer
Grumman
powerplant
Two 1137-kW (1525-hp) Wright R-1820-82 or 82A radial piston engines
maximum speed
451 km/h (280 mph) at 1220 m (4000 ft)
climb rate
594 m/min (1950 fpm)
cruising speed
269 km/h (167 mph)
range
1785 km (1105 miles)
service ceiling
7560 m (24,800 ft)
weights
Empty 7544 kg (16,600 lb) Maximum take-off 11,158 kg (24,548 lb)
dimensions
Span 21.23 m (69 ft 8 in) Length 12.80 m (42 ft) Height 4.97 m (156 ft 4 in) Wing Area 45.06 m2 (485 sq ft)
The carrier based E-1B Tracer provided critical early warning and guidance support. Its four man crew was able to remain in flight up to seven hours. The most distinguishing feature of the E-1B is the enormous aerodynamic radome over the truck of the aircraft.
With the delivery of the E‐1B Tracer, Grumman delivered to the Navy an aircraft with a single purpose: airborne early warning. Entering service in 1954, the E-1B was a derivative of the still relatively new S-2 Tracker. But the Tracer was distinct in its appearance because of its top-mounted "radome"-- a strong but electronically transparent thin shell that housed radar equipment.