Overview
The Grumman S2F-1 “Tracker” Simulator was a major piece of the Navy’s simulator for the S2F carrier-based “Tracker”, anti-submarine warfare aircraft. When used with a computer, LCD projector, a simple reflective screen and modified Flight Simulator software, it provides simulated arrested carrier landing and catapult-assisted takeoffs. The cockpit here is from a simulator built by the Singer – Link Corporation. The Anderson Foundation of Elmira, New York provided the projector and computer. The Sound System is provided by Bit Bucket Computers of Horseheads, New York. WEDC Volunteers, Dana Brown, Craig Bergman and Reggie Myers, have carefully restored it to operating condition.
The Grumman S2F-1 Tracker entered service with the US Navy in February 1954 replacing Grumman Avengers and Grumman Guardians in the anti-submarine role. The Tracker was the first twin-engine aircraft to be routinely operated off of the Navy’s small Escort and Light carriers. Trackers operated from American aircraft carriers until August 1976, more than 20 years after the type was first introduced. The Tracker proved popular with the Navies of several other nations as well, including: Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Peru, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Retired Trackers have been converted into firefighting aircraft and can be regularly seen dropping fire retardant on forest fires in the western United States.