FSX Grumman Tracker Canadian Maritime Patrol

This freeware release offers a unique Canadian “Maritime Patrol” adaptation for the Grumman Tracker, inspired by an existing Canadian search-and-rescue scheme. This repaint pack, crafted by Gary Moore, builds on the renowned FSX-native upgrade by Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations, originally developed by Milton Shupe and adapted with Steve Bryant’s paint kit. It is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X pilots seeking a visually striking depiction of this twin-engine prop plane.

Distinctive Influences and Historical Context

Although this is a fictional livery, its brilliant yellow-and-red striping echoes the look often associated with Canadian rescue units. In real-world service, the Grumman S2 family (sometimes called the Tracker) was widely employed in maritime roles, including anti-submarine patrol and reconnaissance. This repaint nods to that history by combining elements of official Canadian markings (in brackets, these are often referred to as “hi-viz” markings) with a stylized design that catches the eye in all lighting conditions.

What You Will Need

This texture set is intended for the Milton Shupe Grumman S2F1x FSX-native upgrade produced by Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations. Consequently, the required base model (SOH_G7_S2F1X.ZIP) must be sourced separately from the Fly Away Simulation mod library. Without that foundational package, the repaint will not function properly in your simulator. Ensure that your system is already set up to run Milton Shupe’s model before proceeding.

Installation Procedure

1. Extract the S2F-1_RCN_Mar_Pat_Yellow and Red.zip file into a temporary folder.
2. Copy or move the enclosed SimObjects folder into your main Microsoft Flight Simulator X directory. Depending on your operating system, this could be located in a path similar to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Confirm “merge” or “overwrite” options if prompted.
3. Within the Airplanes folder (commonly C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes), locate G7_S2F1X. Then open aircraft.cfg in a text editor. Paste the following block of text (shown below) after the final [fltsim.XX] entry. Change “xx” to the subsequent number in your list.

Aircraft Configuration Addition

[fltsim.xx]
title=S2F-1 RCN Mar Pat Yellow and Red
sim=S2F-1
panel=
model=S2F-1
sound=
texture=S2F-1_RCN_Mar_Pat_Yellow and Red
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id_enable=1
atc_id=75
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=Navy
atc_flight_number=
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
ui_manufacturer=Grumman
ui_type=S2F-1 Tracker
ui_variation=RCN_Maritme Patrol Yellow and Red
ui_typerole="Twin Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations/SOH"
prop_anim_ratio=1.025
visual_damage=1
Description=S2F-1, RCN507 (fictional), TDY at NAS Quonset Point, RI. 1956. Model by Milton Shupe, flight model by Tom Falley, sounds by Nigel, paintkit by Steve Bryant, paint scheme by Gary Moore.

Additional Notes on the Grumman S2F-1

The Grumman S2F-1 Tracker was originally developed for anti-submarine warfare, featuring a robust design tailored for carrier operations. Many variant types, including the S2F-1 submodel, have flown in numerous services worldwide, reflecting its adaptability. This repaint leverages the plane’s spacious fuselage surfaces, providing ample “canvas” for the bold color scheme, reinforcing its fictional Canadian maritime role.

This package is provided free of charge, with full credits to Milton Shupe, Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations, Steve Bryant, and Gary Moore for bringing this formidable aircraft into FSX. Users are free to enjoy it in maritime operations, search-and-rescue scenarios, or standard flights over varied scenery.