The first of eight re-engined Grumman S-2F3T TurboTracker firebombers has been formally delivered by Arizona-based conversion specialist Marsh Aviation, to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).
Four aircraft, all of them ex-USNavy operated S-2E Trackers, will be delivered to the CDF by the start of the fire season in July 1999, with the balance due by the following July. The aircraft, powered by AllliedSignal TPE331-14G/R turboprops in place of the original Curtiss-Wright R1820-82 piston engines, were ordered in June 1997 under a $22.6 million contract. Another $50 million contract, covering an additional 15 ex-USN S-2E conversions, is currently being negotiated and could be awarded as early as August 1999, according to Marsh president and general manager, Ed Allen.
As well as re-engining, the Mesa-based company also fitted the aircraft with its own 4,500litre (1,200USgal) retardant tank system, a new electrical system and upgraded cockpit. "We expect these aircraft to produce a drop of more than 70% in the maintenance budget" says Allen. "Engines and brakes are the two big ticket items and both are dramatically improved" he adds, explaining that the turboprop's reverse thrust capability is primarily responsible for the improved brake costs.
Allen also says that assembly of a demonstrator S-2F3T fire fighter is "60% complete" at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, where the two companies have teamed to produce aircraft for the Turkish Ministry of Forestry.
The aircraft will fly in the second quarter of 1999, and could lead to the eventual conversion of up to 15 ex-Turkish navy aircraft for the fire fighting role in eastern and southern Turkey.
Marsh is also due to meet officials from Thailand in December over a similar scheme potentially aimed at firefighting conversion of former Thai navy S-2s.
Source: Flight International
