The Navy's venerable C-2 Greyhound carrier on-board delivery (COD) aircraft turned 50 this year. In celebration of this monumental occasion, VRC-30, the west coast C-2 squadron, put together this incredible video. So strap on your life vest and definitely wear ear protection – you're about to take an awesome flight on this marvelous, humble workhorse.
Although these old Grumman turboprops have served the Navy well for decades, the truth is that the Greyhounds are tired and in need of replacement. Currently, its successor could be an improved Greyhound, a V-22 Osprey or even a modified S-3 Viking. In other words, this unassuming yet essential machine's years may be numbered. Although, seeing as the type has historically been the 'Rodney Dangerfield' of naval aviation, never getting the respect it deserves, it will be interesting to see if the Navy ponies up the big bucks to make a replacement happen before the wings literally fly off these old tough birds.
Tyler Rogoway is a defense journalist and photographer who maintains the website Foxtrot Alpha for Jalopnik.com You can reach Tyler with story ideas or direct comments regarding this or any other defense topic via the email address Tyler@Jalopnik.com