On this day in aviation history, 80 years ago—May 17, 1945—the Lockheed P-2 Neptune took to the skies for its first flight. Designed as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, the Neptune was intended to replace the aging Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, both of which had served with distinction during World War II. Originally designated the P2V by the U.S. Navy (prior to the 1962 tri-service aircraft designation system), the Neptune was conceived as a land-based aircraft. While it was never designed for carrier operations, some variants were equipped with Jet-Assisted Takeoff (JATO) rockets and could be launched from aircraft carriers in special cases, including as a stopgap nuclear strike platform.
One of the Neptune’s most distinctive features was its hybrid propulsion system. It was powered by two Wright R-3350-32W Duplex-Cyclone radial engines, each producing 3,700 horsepower, and supplemented by two Westinghouse J34-WE-34 turbojet engines, each delivering 3,400 pounds of thrust. This combination gave the aircraft a cruising speed of 207 mph, a maximum speed of 363 mph, a range of 2,157 miles, and a service ceiling of 22,400 feet.
For armament, the P2V/P-2 carried underwing rocket pods capable of firing 2.75-inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (FFARs), as well as up to 8,000 pounds of bombs, torpedoes, and depth charges for its ASW role.
The Lockheed Neptune saw widespread service throughout the Cold War, including notable deployments during the Vietnam War. In addition to maritime patrol, Neptunes were modified for overland reconnaissance, electronic warfare (as “ferret” aircraft), and even served in the gunship role. After being retired from military service in 1984, many P-2s found a second life in civilian roles, most notably as aerial firefighting tankers.
A total of 1,177 Neptunes were built. While most have since been retired or scrapped, a few dozen survive today. Four aircraft remain airworthy—two in Australia and two in the United States—operated by private owners or museums, preserving the legacy of this versatile Cold War warrior.
