C2A Greyhound

The C-2A Greyhound is based on the E-2 Hawkeye and its mission is to ferry cargo and personnel to and from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The C-2A Greyhound’s wings are similar to the E-2 Hawkeye, but the loading ramp is located in the rear and the fuselage is wider. Production of the C-2A began in 1965; just one year after the prototype completed its first flight.

It’s the primary Carrier Onboard Delivery aircraft for the Navy. To conserve space while onboard the carrier, the C-2A has folding wings. For ease of loading and unloading, the airplane has an over-sized aft cargo door and ramp. This makes the process much faster and efficient than traditional side or underside doors and ramps. Saving time is especially critical during wartime and relief missions when every second counts.

In flight, the C-2A Greyhound can be used to airdrop supplies and/or military personnel. Most cargo planes require ground support and electrical power for engine starting, but the C-2A carries its own power supply to start its engines. This makes the airplane incredibly versatile and self-reliant even when using undeveloped airfields.

A number of design enhancements and upgrades have been performed on the C-2A Greyhound, with the intention of extending the airplane’s service life for several years and will affect the avionics system, propellers, wiring, and structural design. Safety improvements include the installation of a Terrain Awareness Warning System and a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System.

Some additional data about the C-2A Greyhound:

Maximum speed: 310 knots
Cruise speed: 260 knots
Range: 1,300 nautical miles
Ceiling: 30,000 feet
Length: 57 feet, 7 inches
Wingspan: 80 feet, 7 inches
Height: 17 feet
Maximum weight: 57,500 pounds
Engine(s): Two Allison 4,910 ESHP T56-A-425 turboprop engines
Crew: Four
Armament: Up to 10,000 pounds of cargo, passengers, or a combination of both
Contractor: Northrop Grumman

References:
Northrop Grumman
United States Navy