Grumman Trackers
Actually, a maximum of 56 1/2" of boost at full power off the carrier rings a bell, and that was on 'purple' 115-145 octane fuel. When purple fuel became scarce they were run on 'green' fuel, with a corresponding reduction in max allowable MAP.
They were never intentionally overboosted, as our lives depended on looking after our engines!
They were never intentionally overboosted, as our lives depended on looking after our engines!
Last edited by Captain Dart; 15th Oct 2013 at 01:03.
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"If I remember correctly the PT-6 conversion was priced at 1mil per engine."
Not sure what model PT6 is installed (PT6A-67?) but I would think a PT6 conversion today would be all of one million plus a big bucket more, per engine.
The Marsh S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker had Garrett TPE331s which may be a cheaper option?
Great military aircraft they were, but I can't imagine any cost effective commercial application for the piston or turbine Tracker, except as a rich kids rather impractical toy.
Not sure what model PT6 is installed (PT6A-67?) but I would think a PT6 conversion today would be all of one million plus a big bucket more, per engine.
The Marsh S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker had Garrett TPE331s which may be a cheaper option?
Great military aircraft they were, but I can't imagine any cost effective commercial application for the piston or turbine Tracker, except as a rich kids rather impractical toy.
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Just found this thread during my search... So I give it a try:
Can anybody give some more information about the history of N12-153600 marked as 845 (which is obviously the wrong number, as 845 should be N12-152334) "preserved" in front of the Nowra Museum.
The last evidence of this aircraft flying I could find was from 1980.
I would like to relate the impressive levels of corrosion on that airframe to the latest date at which this aircraft was obviously still airworthy.
Thanks.
Can anybody give some more information about the history of N12-153600 marked as 845 (which is obviously the wrong number, as 845 should be N12-152334) "preserved" in front of the Nowra Museum.
The last evidence of this aircraft flying I could find was from 1980.
I would like to relate the impressive levels of corrosion on that airframe to the latest date at which this aircraft was obviously still airworthy.
Thanks.
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N12-153600/845 is an S2E damaged in the fire and not returned to service whereas N12-152334/845 is an S2G. This was one of the replacement aircraft and flew until 1984.
John
John
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I've been meaning to post on this for a few months but forgot. Last I saw of the Trackers down at West Sale, they were all outside awaiting pickup for scrapping after being sold via tender.
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Volume - ExBirdy is correct. A full list of all RAN aircraft purchased during the aircraft carrier period (approx. 394) is contained within the book 'Wings Across the Sea' by Ross Gillett published in 1988. It shows clearly that there were two 845 aircraft, one, an S2E (N12-153600) written off due fire damage 4/12/76 and one, an S2G (N12-152334) purchased with many other replacement acft in 1977
The aircraft carrier period operation included the following ships: HMAS SYDNEY, HMAS VENGEANCE and HMAS MELBOURNE. Unbeknown to me until I read the book, the RAN operated 14 Spitfires (purchased from RAAF in 1948) as a training aid for ground crews on a laid out 'dummy aircraft carrier deck' at NAS NOWRA. They were sold in the 1950's. Serial No.s for these aircraft and 20 or so other types with serial no.s, purchased and disposal dates/who supplied and where disposed are contained within this book.
The aircraft carrier period operation included the following ships: HMAS SYDNEY, HMAS VENGEANCE and HMAS MELBOURNE. Unbeknown to me until I read the book, the RAN operated 14 Spitfires (purchased from RAAF in 1948) as a training aid for ground crews on a laid out 'dummy aircraft carrier deck' at NAS NOWRA. They were sold in the 1950's. Serial No.s for these aircraft and 20 or so other types with serial no.s, purchased and disposal dates/who supplied and where disposed are contained within this book.
