Marsh Aviation S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker

Marsh Aviation · United States · first flew 1985 · transport aircraft

The S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker is an aerial fire-fighting conversion of the Grumman S-2 Tracker by Marsh Aviation, replacing the original piston engines with Garrett TPE331 turboprops and fitting a retardant hopper.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Fire-tanker conversion of S-2 Tracker with turboprop engine replacement
• Retardant hopper installed in former weapons bay
• Twin-boom tail and high straight wing retained from original Tracker

Turboprop nacelles replacing the bulkier radial cowlings are the primary visual change; the twin-boom tail, high wing, and deep fuselage remain from the original Tracker design.

Specifications

• The Marsh Aviation S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker has a length of 13.26 m (44 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 22.12 m (73 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 450 km/h (280 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Marsh Aviation of Mesa, Arizona, developed the Turbo Tracker conversion in the 1980s to extend the service life of surplus US Navy S-2 Trackers as air tankers. The turboprop conversion improved performance and reliability for the high-demand fire-fighting environment. Converted aircraft served extensively with the California Department of Forestry and other agencies.

Variants

The S-2F3AT is Marsh's primary air-tanker conversion; IAI performed a similar conversion as the S-2T for other customers including Israel and Taiwan.

Where you'll see it

Operated primarily by US state and federal fire agencies; also exported to other countries with wildfire suppression needs.

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