S-2A

The S-2A is an airtanker aircraft used in fighting wildland fires. The S-2A was operated by Cal Fire. It has been replaced by the upgraded S-2T airtanker.

The S-2A is a former anti-submarine warfare airplane used by the United States Navy. They were purchased as surplus and converted for use in aerial firefighting. The first S-2A was used in 1973 and the final was phased out in 2005.


 * Manufacturer: Grumman Aerospace
 * Crew: 1 pilot
 * Payload: 800 gallons (3,028 ) fire retardant
 * Gross Weight: 27,000 pounds (12,200 kg)
 * Max. Operating Speed: 295 mph (313 kph)
 * Range: Loaded: 800 miles/Empty: 1,000 miles (1,280 km/1,600 km)
 * Wing Span: 70 feet (21.3 m)
 * Endurance: 4.5 hours
 * Engines: Two Wright R-1820-82, 9 cylinder radials (1,500 horsepower each)