On November 18, 1964, the Grumman C-2 Greyhound took flight for the first time. The Greyhound was derived from the E-2 Hawkeye and replaced the piston-engined C-1 Trader in the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) role. The Greyhound retains the Hawkeye’s powerplants and wing but features a wider fuselage with a rear-loading cargo ramp.
The Greyhound is not intended to be stationed aboard an aircraft carrier, but is operated by shore-based squadrons placed in strategic locations to resupply ships at sea. The C-2 can carry 39 passengers (or 20 hospital litters) or up to 10,000 pounds of freight from aircraft engines to weapons at a range of over 1,000 miles.During the period November 1985 to February 1987, VR-24, operating with seven Reprocured C-2As, demonstrated exceptional operational readiness while delivering two million pounds of cargo, two million pounds of mail and 14,000 passengers in support of the European and Mediterranean Theater commands. The C-2A also provided support to the Carrier Strike Groups during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and is presently supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The aircraft is currently undergoing a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to increase its operating service life from 15,020 landings and 10,000 flight hours to 36,000 landings and 15,000 flight hours. The changes being incorporated are; Structural Enhancements, aircraft Rewire, Avionics Systems improvements and a new propeller system. Additionally, as mandated by Congress and the Chief of Naval Operations, two passenger carrying safety requirements are being integrated into the C-2A. They are Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System and Terrain Awareness Warning System. The SLEP is necessary to make the C-2A a viable and economically maintainable platform until it is replaced. (From US NAVY Official Website)
In the photo above the Rawhide 50 from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) is landing at the 2011 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show. The “Rawhides” are one of two active fleet logistics squadrons in the Navy and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2010. Fly over to our full website at www.aviation-enthusiasts.c
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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