{"product_id":"heller-82303-c-2a-greyhound-the-last-starter-set-1-72-model-kit","title":"Heller 58303 C-2A Greyhound “The Last\" Starter Set 1:72 Model Kit","description":"The Grumman C-2A Greyhound served as the U.S. Navy's dedicated Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft for nearly six decades, transporting personnel, mail, spare parts, engines and other mission-critical cargo between shore bases and aircraft carriers at sea. First entering service in 1966, the twin-turboprop aircraft became an indispensable part of carrier operations, accumulating more than 250,000 arrested landings during its long career.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn 25 June 2026, a C-2A Greyhound assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) \"Rawhides\" made the type's final arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), marking the end of fixed-wing Carrier Onboard Delivery operations for the aircraft. Following the landing, the Greyhound also completed its final catapult launch from a carrier deck, closing a historic chapter in U.S. naval aviation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDerived from the E-2 Hawkeye, the C-2A was uniquely designed to operate from aircraft carriers while carrying up to 10,000 pounds of cargo or 28 passengers. Its ability to transport oversized items, including complete aircraft engines, made it a vital link between carrier strike groups and shore-based logistics networks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe retirement of the C-2A marks the transition of the COD mission to the CMV-22B Osprey, which now performs the Navy's carrier logistics role. The final operational Greyhound subsequently departed for Naval Air Station Pensacola, where it will be preserved by the National Naval Aviation Museum as a lasting tribute to one of naval aviation's most dependable aircraft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final carrier landing of the C-2A Greyhound was more than the conclusion of an aircraft's service life; it marked the end of an era. For generations of sailors and aviators, the distinctive Greyhound was a familiar sight bringing people, supplies and a vital connection to home wherever the fleet operated around the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStarter Set to include paints, glue \u0026amp; brush.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Scale: 1:72\u003cbr\u003e- Pieces: TBC\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis exciting new release celebrates nearly 60 years of service with the US Navy and replicates the last C-2A Greyhound made its final carrier landing in June this year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBuNo 162159, Callsign Rawhide 40\u003cbr\u003eVCR-40 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron, US Navy","brand":"Heller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55672263213393,"sku":"HEL58303","price":59.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0865\/4992\/2129\/files\/hel58303_1a.jpg?v=1793917318","url":"https:\/\/www.jadlamracingmodels.com\/products\/heller-82303-c-2a-greyhound-the-last-starter-set-1-72-model-kit","provider":"Jadlam Toys \u0026 Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}