Title
E-1B Tracer
Description
A gray plane with blue markings on the tail fin and the National Aircraft Insignia consisting of a five-pointed white star on a circular blue field, and red, white and blue vertical stripes on the sides and wings. Along with its distinctive radome, it also featured folding wings for compact storage aboard aircraft carriers. The propellors are decorated with red and white striping at the tips, and the E-1B Tracer has markings for '720,' 'VAW-111,' and 'VAW-1117.' The bureau number is 147225.
Context
The first purpose-built early warning aircraft in use by the US Navy, the Grumman E-1 Tracer provided critical early warning and guidance support. Its four-man crew was able to remain in flight up to seven hours. Tracers served from 1958 to 1977 before the US Navy transitioned over to the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye in the mid-1960s.
During the early years of the Vietnam War, E-1 Tracers saw extensive service, providing combat air patrol (CAP) fighters with target vectors, and controlling Alpha strikes over North Vietnam.
The Tracer arrived at Patriots Point in 1987 and is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
During the early years of the Vietnam War, E-1 Tracers saw extensive service, providing combat air patrol (CAP) fighters with target vectors, and controlling Alpha strikes over North Vietnam.
The Tracer arrived at Patriots Point in 1987 and is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Primary Object Name
Airplane
Sub-Class Name
Aircraft
Class Name
Aerospace Transportation T&E
Category Name
Category 07: Distribution & Transportation Objects
