The carrier based E-1B Tracer provided critical early warning and guidance support. Its four man crew was able to remain in flight up to seven hours. The most distinguishing feature of the E-1B is the enormous aerodynamic radome over the truck of the aircraft.
With the delivery of the E-‐1B Tracer, Grumman delivered to the Navy an aircraft with a single purpose; airborne early warning. Entering service in 1954, the E-1B was a derivative of the still relatively new S-‐2 Tracker. But the Tracer was distinct in its appearance because of its top mounted radome, a strong but electronically transparent thin shell that housed radar equipment.
| Type | Twin-‐engined Airborne Early Warning Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Bureau Number | 147225 |
| NMNA ID | 2005.069.001 |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| Powerplant | Two 1137-kW (1525-hp) Wright R-1820-82 or 82A radial piston engines |
| Maximum speed | 451 km/h (280 mph) at 1220 m (4000 ft) |
| Cruising speed | 269 km/h (167 mph) |
| Climb rate | 594 m/min (1950 fpm) |
| Range | 1785 km (1105 miles) |
| Service Ceiling | 7560 m (24,800 ft) |
| Weights | Empty 7544 kg (16,600 lb) Maximum take-off 11,158 kg (24,548 lb) |
| Dimensions | Span 21.23 m (69 ft 8 in) Length 12.80 m (42 ft) Height 4.97 m (156 ft 4 in) Wing Area 45.06 m2 (485 sq ft) |
