Lost tractor

[BradCNY]

I heard the navy lost a F18 plan off an aircraft carrier. It was being towed out of the hanger. Plane and tractor went overboard. Anyone know what kind of tractor?. 80 million dollars but no plans for salvage.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

It was a 1913 Case 30-60, last sold for $1.47 million at auction...

Seriously though the "tractor" was a purpose-built aircraft tug.

 

[DoubleO7]

here is link to what Barnyard posted...

https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/Shipboard-Tow-Tractor-STT#:~:text=The%20Shipboard%20Tow%20Tractor%27s%20primary%20role%20is,the%20Jet%20engine%20Air%20Start%20Unit%2C%20MSU%2D200NAV.

 

[Hoofer B]

I would go after the tractor first. Probably a Case VAIW

 

[M-MAN]

I'm sure that jet will be retrieved and probably the tug since they are together. We have the capability but it might have to wait until it's safer.

 

[DoubleO7]

Defense contractors and their stockholders do not want the Navy salvaging any spare parts from the ocean depths.

 

[ajl]

F18 has to be pretty old by now so likely not worth salvage especially if it is deep.

 

[John P.]

I believe it was a fairly new plane. Can’t leave that laying around for someone else to salvage.

 

[T.R.K.]

There is a picture of a tractor still in a sunken WW2 aircraft carrier that comes up on here from time to time, You can still see International Harvester on the hood.

 

[buickanddeere]

F18 has to be pretty old by now so likely not worth salvage especially if it is deep.

The airframe was a Super Hornet Block III . Those are currently in production .