The C-2A Greyhound is the U.S. Navy's carrier-onboard-delivery (COD) aircraft, providing critical logistics support. The aircraft can deliver a payload of up to 10,000 pounds. The cabin can readily accommodate cargo, passengers or both. It is also equipped to accept litter patients in medical evacuation missions. Priority cargo such as jet engines can be transported from shore to ship in a matter of hours.
U.S. Navy C-2 Greyhound on carrier deck (US Navy Photo) |
The large aft cargo ramp and door, and a powered winch, allow straight-in rear cargo loading and downloading for fast turnaround. The C-2A's open-ramp flight capability allows airdrop of supplies and personnel from a carrier-launched aircraft. This, plus its folding wings and an onboard auxiliary power unit for engine starting and ground power self-sufficiency in remote areas, provides an operational versatility found in no other cargo aircraft.
The C-2A Greyhound replaced the piston-engine powered C-1 Trader in the Carrier On-board Delivery role. It is a derivative of the E-2 Hawkeye, and shares wings and power plants with the E-2, but has a widened fuselage with a rear loading ramp. The first of two prototypes flew in 1964 and production began the following year. The original C-2A aircraft were overhauled to extend their operational life in 1973.
In 1984, a contract was awarded for 39 new C-2A aircraft to replace the earlier airframes. Dubbed the "Reprocured C-2A" due to the similarity to the original aircraft, the new C-2A includes substantial airframe and avionic systems improvements.
All the older C-2As were phased out in 1987, and the last of the new models was delivered in 1990.
U.S. Navy C-2 Greyhound 40 during replenishment operations |
Navy C-2 Greyhound 27 preparing for takeoff |
U.S. Navy C-2 Greyhound 40 preparing for carrier launch |
Launch time for a U.S. Navy C-2A Greyhound 23 |
Landing approaches by C-2A Greyhounds of the U.S. Navy |
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United States Navy C-2 142 Greyhound in flight |