The Grumman C-2 Greyhound is a twin-engine, high-wing cargo aircraft specifically designed for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) missions for the U.S. Navy. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the C-2 plays a vital role in transporting personnel, mail, high-priority cargo, and spare parts — including entire jet engines — between shore bases and aircraft carriers at sea.
The Greyhound is based on the legendary E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft, sharing its wings, engines, and much of its structure, but with a widened fuselage and large rear cargo ramp for rapid loading and unloading.
Even though it’s a military transport, the C-2 was built with carrier operations in mind, meaning it can launch and recover via catapults and arresting gear, just like strike fighters and other carrier-based aircraft.
 
 
General Information:
Manufacturer: Grumman (now Northrop Grumman)
Role: Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD)
First Flight: November 18, 1964
Entered Service: 1966
Production Period: 1965–1988 (built in two main production runs)
Number Built: 58 total
Crew: 4 flight crew + 2 loadmasters (6 total)
Pilot
Co-pilot
2 Flight Engineers/Loadmasters