SF2 S2F-3S/S-2FE Tracker (Beta +) 11/20/2025

[+Wrench]

View File

SF2 S2F-3S/S-2FE Tracker (Beta +) 11/20/2025

---

SF2 S2F-3S/S-2FE Tracker (Beta +)                   11/12/2025

-For SF2 =ONLY= (Any & All, Full 4/5 Merged Recommended)

Another "Found In The Archives" Job

Found this while cleaning an external drive. I have no idea where I got it, when I got it, or who built it. I've checked with our South American brethren, and they weren't sure either, but support the decision to release it. It's a 'not quite' ready aircraft, with some mapping issues (like, some parts are unmapped), but otherwise in good shape. It flies fine (albeit a bit TOO overpowered and maneuverable, but otherwise just fine). Therefore, I've given it the rating of "Beta +". If anyone does know who built it , Please Let Me Know, and I'll update the credits.

What we have here is a Grumman S2F-3S (SF2-E after 1962), and is VERY close to the G model. (See "Notes"). This is the later model, not the early type with the sensor pod on a pylon above the cockpit.

The aircraft came with several skins, and of course I had to add more! Those marked with a star (*) are the original skins. Those unmarked, are by me.  You'll have:

US Navy:
VS-21 "Fighting Red Tails" (Pacific 60-70)
VS-37 "Sawbucks" (Pacific 61-73)*
VS-28 "Hukkers" (Atlantic 60-69)
VT-28 "Rangers" (60-79 TS-2A)*

Argentine Navy:
Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina (Blue)(<1970)*
Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina (<1990)*

Brazilian Navy:
1/1 Grupo de Aviacao Embarcada (P-16E)<1965)*

Venezuela:
Escuadron Antisubmarino (Ven <1970)*

Royal Australian Navy:
VS-816 NAS (RAN) (67-85)

Generic Gull Gray/White*

As can be seen, the SF2 Date Switch if active, and skins will change accordingly. The "Generic Skin" has been decaled for the USN, but with "fictional" markings. As all decal positions are now pre-plotted, other Texture Artists can easily make additional skins and decals The skin template is included; it's stored within the main aircraft folder.

Nearly all marking are decals, with the exception of some national or squadron markings that are painted on due to a "lack of meshes" issue. All serials (BuNum for USN) have been matched as close as possible to their Modex numbers. Any numbers marked with the cross (Plus sign +) could not be matched to each other, but DID serve in the units assigned. In other words, nearly 100% historically correct. The BuNums for VT-28 are also correct, but as I couldn't find which were converted to the trainer, consider them 'generic' in nature. 
This mod uses (almost) all stock weapons. I've included the Mk.44 LWASW Torpedo, modifying it's service dates and exportation (after researching, of course). They work very well on Anti-shipping missions. All other weapons use stock 3W items. A new engine sound is also supplied (see "Notes" for install instructions)

I've used the Standard Animation Keystrokes (tm), Shift/9 will fold the wings. Shift/0 (zero) will open the starboard side crew door. The MAD boom and belly radome extend automatically with landing gear retraction. It is fully Carrier Qualified, having been tested on USN, RAN, Argentine and Brazilian Navy CVs.

On the Aircraft selection Dropdown on the Main Screen, you'll see:

S2F-3S (S-2E) Tracker

This will, of course, keep it differentiated from any other Stoofs that might be flying around.

As is always recommended, unzip to a temp folder or your desktop to give easy access to the rest of this readme for it's install instructions. PLEASE read them, before installing!!! You will be adding a sound to your SoundList.ini, as SF2 has some weirdness with engine sounds (expecially in Win10/11).
Please read the Notes section for other useless information, and (hopefully) full credits. 
Please also take note of changes in the Standard Disclaimer in the "Legal BS" section at the bottom.

Good Hunting & Happy Landings!

Wrench
Kevin Stein

---

• Submitter
  Wrench
• Submitted
  11/20/2025
• Category
  Other