Introduction to the Tracker
The de Havilland CS-2F Tracker is a uniquely Canadian adaptation of the Grumman S-2 Tracker, developed to meet the specific needs of Canada’s naval aviation operations. Designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the Tracker played a vital role aboard HMCS Bonaventure, Canada’s last aircraft carrier, and later in maritime patrol roles after the carrier’s decommissioning.
Why a Canadian Tracker?
When Canada acquired the Tracker for its navy, it became clear that the original Grumman model was about 11 ¾ inches too long for the Bonaventure’s deck elevators, which were used to move aircraft between the flight deck and the maintenance hangar below. To solve this, de Havilland Canada redesigned the Tracker at its Toronto factory, producing a shorter version that fit the Bonaventure’s dimensions. This Canadian Tracker also featured other modifications tailored to the country’s needs and operating conditions.
Design and Capabilities
- Engines: Powered by twin radial piston engines.
- Wing Design: High wing configuration with folding wings for compact storage aboard aircraft carriers.
- Landing Gear: Tricycle undercarriage for stable ground handling.
- Armament:
- Internal torpedo bay capable of carrying two lightweight torpedoes or a nuclear depth charge.
- Six under-wing hardpoints for rocket pods, depth charges, or up to four additional torpedoes.
- Sonobuoy storage in the rear, with capacity for 16 in early models and up to 32 in later S-2E/G variants.
Production and Service
- Canadian Production: 99 Trackers were built by de Havilland Canada, with the first flight on May 31, 1956.
- Carrier Operations: Deployed aboard HMCS Bonaventure from 1957 until the carrier’s decommissioning in 1970.
- Shore-Based Operations: After 1970, Trackers operated from land bases, primarily for fisheries protection and maritime patrols.
End of Service
The Tracker’s utility diminished after its ASW role was phased out. Between 1974 and 1981, most Trackers were placed in storage or stripped of their ASW equipment. A limited number continued to serve until 1990 in patrol roles, with a few remaining airworthy into the late 1990s for non-operational purposes.
A Legacy of Adaptation
The de Havilland CS-2F Tracker stands as a testament to Canadian ingenuity and adaptability. By modifying the original Grumman design, de Havilland Canada ensured the Tracker met the specific needs of the Royal Canadian Navy. Whether tracking submarines, protecting fisheries, or patrolling Canada’s vast maritime borders, the Tracker was a reliable workhorse that served the nation for decades.
