| AF Guardian | |
|---|---|
 Hunter-Killer team of AF-2W (lower) and AF-2S | |
| General information | |
| Type | Anti-submarine warfare aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 389 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | October 1950 |
| First flight | 19 December 1945 |
| Retired | 31 August 1955 |
The Grumman AF Guardian is the first purpose-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) carrier-based aircraft to enter service with the United States Navy.[1] It consisted of two airframe variants, one for detection gear, the other for weapons. The Guardian remained in service until August 1955, when it was replaced by the twin-engined Grumman S-2 Tracker. The Guardian was the largest single-engine piston-powered carrier aircraft ever to see service.[2]