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Grumman CS2J Tracker

Grumman CS2J Tracker

YEAR AND NUMBER MADE

1010 Trackers in a variety of models were produced from 1950 - 1980

ACQUIRED FROM:

The museum's Grumman Tracker was one of Ontario's fleet of 6 trackers sold to Conair Aviation who converted them into the single-seat “FireCat”. It was donated by Conair Aviation of Abbortsford, BC.

POWER

Two 1525 HP Wright R1820-82WA Cyclone nine-cylinder air cooled radials

PRIMARY USE:

Designed as a carrier-borne anti-submarine bomber, many Trackers were converted to chemical fire bombers.

HISTORY:

In 1950, design work on the Tracker began in response to the US Navy’s request for a new type of anti- submarine reconnaissance plane. The wings are designed to fold for under-deck storage. The OPAS bought a tracker to test the feasibility of converting it for use as a fire bomber. Four 757 litre tanks were installed in the fuselage. Two were placed in the original torpedo bay and two in the new bay constructed for this purpose. These tanks contained a mixture of fire retardant and water. The tanks could be dumped all at once or in sequence.

STORY:

The Tracker was described by pilots as a cement truck. The Tracker can carry a huge load of fire retardant therefore the plane is vulnerable to turbulence while dumping its load: because of the short fuselage in relation to its wingspan, the nose rears up violently when fire retardant is dropped. Also because the Tracker had to fly low to bomb accurately, even a temporary loss of control could be fatal.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Honorary ownership of the item for one year: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
  • One Year Individual Membership to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
  • A certificate of honorary ownership
  • Recognition of honorary ownership on display with the aircraft or truck in the museum for the year
  • Opportunity to have your photo taken with or in (where possible) your plane or truck
  • Any donor with a winning bid over $1000 will have their name added to the donor board in the centre's lobby
Organization
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Value
$0.00
Starting Bid
$100.00

Item

# Bid Status By Date
1 $200.00 trees

This auction closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM.

Pickup Instructions

Shortly after winning your bid on any number of the planes included in the auction, you will be contacted by the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Detailed instructions regarding how to claim your winnings, along with each of the included perks will be included in this email.

For any auction related questions, please email [email protected]

Closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM

About Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Adventure takes off at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This one-of-a-kind and interactive museum is located in the historic waterfront hangar of the Ontario Provincial Air Service, which was instrumental in the development of bush flying and forest fire management in Northern Ontario. Explore 24 aircraft exhibits (some you can enter!) including the original De Havilland Beaver aircraft and the CL-215 waterbomber. Learn about flight in the Children’s Flight Centre with hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. See a viewing of Wildfires!, our award-wining film about forest fire fighting in the North! Find unique gifts and STEM-themed toys in our gift shop. Get inspired with a guided tour about the development of bushplanes and forest fire management – available daily 10am and 2pm. Get “buggy” with Entomica Insectarium when you select the Adventure Pass admission option. Our Event Centre is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate and social functions. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre makes an excellent day trip for school field trips and recreational bus tours.