Marsh S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker firefighting aircraft.
Registration: N427DF.
Owner: Cal Fire (California Department of Forestry & Fire).
The Marsh S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker firefighting aircraft is a substantially modified and internally rebuilt Grumman S-2 Tracker modified for firefighting. In the space used in the military version for torpedo's and submarine detection equipment, a tank was placed in which fire-fighting water or fire-retardant chemicals can be carried.
With two fairly high-mounted engines, the aircraft is capable of operating from short dirt runways. Its ability to stay airborne for long periods and manoeuvrability at low speeds also make this aircraft very suitable for fighting forest fires.
This photo was taken on 27 September 2025 during the airshow at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.
I am Jaap van den Berg and photography has become a great passion of mine since 2010. Since then I travel all over the world to take pictures of military aircrafts. But besides aircraft I also love to photograph other subjects like landscapes, architecture, flowers, animals, .. Read more…