The Grumman AF Guardian is the first purpose-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) carrier-based aircraft to enter service with the United States Navy. It consisted of two airframe variants, one for detection gear, the other for weapons. The Guardian remained in service until August 1955, when it was replaced by the twin-engined Grumman S-2 Tracker. The Guardian was the largest single-engine piston-powered carrier aircraft ever to see service.
An AF-2W from VS-37 in flight circa July 1957
An AF-2S in the colors of VS-25 pictured while owned by Aero Union Corporation, circa 1978/79.
The underside of an AF-2S showing its opened weapons bay
The Chico Air Museum is a nonprofit aviation museum located at the Chico Municipal Airport in Chico, California. Its mission statement is to "collect, preserve, document and display aircraft, and aviation and space artifacts. The museum’s primary purpose is to educate and inspire people of all ages about aviation and the history of flight".
F-86 Sabre "Mama Inez" in front of the Chico Air Museum
F-15 Eagle and SPAD S.XIII at the Chico Air Museum
Aerial view of the Chico Air Museum
Interior view of the Chico Air Museum