C-2A Greyhound

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman

The C-2A Greyhound is the primary at-sea delivery aircraft for the US Navy to transport personnel and cargo aboard underway aircraft carriers from shore bases. Dubbed the “COD” for Carrier Onboard Delivery, the C-2A can deliver a combined payload of 10,000 pounds over a distance in excess of 1,000 nm. The cabin can be configured to accommodate cargo, passengers and litter patients. Large cargo such as jet engines can be transported in the Greyhound using a cargo cage system or transport stand that keep the loads stable during launches and landings.

The C-2A has a large aft cargo ramp and a powered winch to allow straight-in rear cargo loading and unloading or airdrop of supplies and personnel. Its on-board Auxiliary Power Unit provides engine-starting capability and ground power self-sufficiency in remote areas.

Originally derived from the E-2C Hawkeye and first fielded in 1965, the newest Greyhounds were fielded by 1990. Dubbed the Reprocured C-2A due to the similarity to the original aircraft, the new C-2A includes substantial airframe and avionic systems improvements. All the older C-2As were phased out in 1987.

The aircraft is currently undergoing a Service Life Extension Program to increase its operating service life from 15,020 landings and 10,000 flight hours to 36,000 landings and 15,000 flight hours. The changes include structural enhancements, avionics improvements and a new propeller system. The SLEPed aircraft will also include collision avoidance radar and terrain avoidance systems.