Hasegawa 02440 S2F-U Tracker “Target Tow Plane” 1/72

Hasegawa 02440 S2F-U Tracker “Target Tow Plane” 1/72 is a precision plastic model kit that represents the legendary American patrol aircraft S2F-U Tracker (later known as the S-2 Tracker) in 1/72 scale. It is an excellent choice for all military aviation enthusiasts as well as collectors of Cold War era models.

The S2F-U Tracker was designed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation and officially entered service in 1952. This versatile aircraft served mainly in the United States Navy, but it was also operated by the air forces of many other countries including Canada, Japan, Brazil, and Turkey. The version depicted in this model bears the designation "Target Tow Plane"—it was used to tow aerial targets during anti-aircraft artillery training and for radar system operations.

The heyday of the S-2 Tracker was during the Cold War era. The aircraft was used from the 1950s right up to the early 21st century in a variety of roles: from anti-submarine warfare (ASW), through reconnaissance missions, to acting as a fire-fighting and maritime rescue aircraft. The Tracker proved indispensable during patrols over the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Mediterranean, earning recognition for its reliability and versatility.

• Model scale: 1/72
• Country of origin: United States (and users including Canada, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, Australia, Taiwan, and others)
• Period of use: Cold War, modern era
• Material: High-quality plastic
• Contents: Plastic parts for model assembly, decals with authentic “Target Tow” markings, detailed assembly instructions
• Additional items: The kit does not include glue or paints, which must be purchased separately
• Category: Plastic model kit
• Assembly difficulty: 3/5 (recommended for both intermediate and experienced modelers due to the detailed interior and numerous external details)

The Hasegawa 02440 S2F-U Tracker “Target Tow Plane” 1/72 model faithfully reproduces all the characteristic features of the original, such as the twin-engine design, typical onboard equipment, and “Target Tow” details. With a high degree of accuracy and abundance of detail, it makes a valuable addition to any military aviation collection.

I especially recommend this kit to Cold War aviation enthusiasts, collectors of American aircraft models, and those seeking a model with a unique aerial target towing theme. The build requires some modeling experience, but it will provide many hours of satisfaction both during assembly and when displaying the finished model.