Grumman TF/C1A Trader

A major boost to its COD capabilities was realized when the VR-24 Detachment, Naples, began operating the TF-1 "Trader" in March 1956. The U.S. Navy's COD operations using the single-engine Grumman TBM-3R COD aircraft pointed up the need for increased load carrying capabilities to deliver high-priority cargo, not to mention the need for additional safety for passengers, to ships at sea. The answer was the Trader, a variant of the Grumman S2F "Tracker", developed as a replacement for both the TBM Avenger and Grumman's AF "Guardian", yet another single engine ASW aircraft. First flown in January, 1955, the TF-1, which would be redesignated "C1A" in 1962, was very similar to the Tracker, using the same wings, Wright R-1820 powerplants, and tail components. The Trader's fuselage was, however, deepened to provide addional space below the plane's wing spar, which passed through the top of the fuselage. The added space allowed for seating of up to nine passengers and/or a mix of cargo, passengers, and mail. Large doors on the left side of the fuselage aft of the wing made loading bulky cargo and/or mail much easier than had been the case with the TBM. The TF/C1A's reliability is indicated by the fact that VR-24 Det Naples continued to operate the TF/C1 long after it began receiving the much larger and more advanced Grumman C-2 "Greyhound". VR-24 Det Naples finally transferred its last C1A to the USS John F. Kennedy in 1984, almost thirty years after receiving its fist one.