Northrop Grumman C-2a Greyhound

Twin Turboprop

The Northrop Grumman C-2A Greyhound is the U.S. Navy's carrier onboard delivery workhorse, purpose-built to land on aircraft carriers while hauling cargo, mail, and passengers that keep carrier strike groups operational at sea. Derived from the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning platform in the 1960s, the Greyhound trades the Hawkeye's distinctive rotating radome for a widened fuselage capable of swallowing palletized cargo, jet engines, and up to 26 passengers or 20 litter patients. Its twin Allison T56 turboprops and reinforced landing gear allow it to execute arrested landings and catapult launches from carrier decks, a punishing operating environment that few transport aircraft can survive. The C-2A's rear cargo ramp and 10,000-pound payload make it indispensable for resupplying carriers during extended deployments, delivering everything from replacement parts to fresh food across hundreds of miles of open ocean. With a maximum range of roughly 1,300 nautical miles and a service ceiling near 28,000 feet, the Greyhound bridges the gap between shore bases and carrier decks far more efficiently than helicopters. Its approach speed of around 105 knots and sturdy tailhook system enable safe recovery aboard pitching flight decks in challenging sea states, a capability that has kept the type in frontline service for over five decades. Though the Navy has explored replacements, including a carrier-variant V-22 Osprey designated CMV-22B now entering service, the C-2A remains operational with Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons, flying the demanding COD mission that connects the fleet to the world. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, covering routes.