The Intrepid Aircraft Restoration Team unveiled the Grumman E-1B Tracer, the latest addition to the Museum’s collection, on Friday, July 17. The Tracer is positioned on the Flight Deck next to the Island and is on display to visitors.
The large aerodynamic faring, or radome, over the wing of the Tracer carries a massive dish-type APS-82 radar system. The Tracer's radar system had a search radius of some 250 miles. The other major external change consisted of a new tail unit with twin fins and rudders and a central fin that supports the trailing edge of the radome.
Flying above a Carrier Task Force, the Tracer would offer the commander an electronic “bird’s eye view” of the surrounding airspace extending the task groups eyes hundreds of miles over the horizon.
Powered by two 1525 hp Wright R-1820-82 engines, the E-1B has a crew of four, grosses out at 26,800 lbs with a maximum speed of 197 knots and a range of 1000 miles. Detachments of two aircraft along with crews and other supporting personnel from a parent squadron were deployed on aircraft carriers operating overseas.
The Tracer entered service in 1958 and served aboard the Intrepid from their inception until the carrier’s retirement in 1974. They remained in service until 1976 when it was replaced by the E-2 Hawkeye.
This aircraft is on permanent loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
Grumman E-1B Tracer Fast Facts
Length: 45 ft 4 in (13.8 m)
Wingspan: 72 ft 17 in (22.3 m)
Height: 16 ft 10 in (5.1 m)
Max Weight: 26,800 lb (12,156 kg)
Top Speed: 253 mph (407 kph)
Ceiling: 22,000 ft (4,815 m)
Armament: None |