Features
Powered by twin Allison T56-A-425 turboprop engines and Hamilton-Sundstrand constant speed propellers, the C-2A Greyhound can transport cargo between ship and shore in a matter of hours. As a derivative of the E-2 Hawkeye, the C-2 has a common wing with the Hawkeye but has a widened fuselage and a rear loading ramp. The interior arrangement of the cabin can accommodate priority cargo like jet engines, passengers, litter patients and critical spare parts. A cargo cage system provides restraint for loads during ship launches and landings. Straight-in rear cargo loading and unloading allows for fast turnaround on the ground or carrier flight-deck. The cargo ramp can be opened in flight, allowing for airdrops of supplies and personnel. An on-board Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides aircraft self-sufficiency at remote airfields.

The C-2 fleet provides rapid airborne logistics capability to the carrier strike force across a full range of sea basing military operations. Avionics system improvements, an aircraft electrical rewire and structural enhancements provide the fleet with an economically viable C-2 platform for the duration of its service.

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PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2020) A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Merrill)

100712-N-2918M-115

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2020) A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Merrill)

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Photo By: MC3 Peter Merrill

VIRIN: 100712-N-2918M-115

Background
The C-2A Greyhound replaced the piston-engine powered C-1 Trader in the Carrier On-board Delivery role. The first of two prototypes flew in 1964 and production began the following year. The original C-2A aircraft were overhauled to extend their operational life in 1973. In 1984, a contract was awarded for 39 new C-2A aircraft to replace the earlier airframes. 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, and the last of the new models was delivered in 1990.

During the period November 1985 to February 1987, VR-24, operating with seven Reprocured C-2As, demonstrated exceptional operational readiness while delivering two million pounds of cargo, two million pounds of mail and 14,000 passengers in support of the European and Mediterranean Theatre commands. The C-2A also provided support to the Carrier Strike Groups during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom.