A very unusual Trader. This aircraft was built as a standard TF-1 (C-1A), but after leaving the production line in July 1956 it was converted as the aerodynamic prototype for the WF-2 (E-1B) Tracer AEW project. It was fitted with the dual fins of the Tracer and a large dummy aluminium dorsal radome. It first flew as such on 17 Dec 1956, still retaining its TF-1 type designation. The dummy radome was later removed, but the aircraft kept its twin fins and continued to serve as a utility transport aircraft, still designated as a standard TF-1 (redesignated to C-1A in Sep 1962). It was operated as a hack by NAS Cecil Field and a serpent-like Cecil appears on the rear engine cowling.

This photo is copyright © R.A.Scholefield, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 14 February 2018, and has since been viewed 571 times.