Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon

Country of Origin: United States | Type: Four-five crew patrol bomber

Introduction

A direct development of the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and the last of the long line of twin finned Lockheed twin piston engined civil and military aircraft which began with the L.10 of 1934, the PV-2 Harpoon retained the powerplants of its predecessor but featured redesigned wings of greater span containing increased fuel capacity, improved armament, larger fins and rudders, a redesigned tailplane, increased weights and an enlarged bomb bay.

US Navy Orders

Despite the different namr, the Harpoon retained the US Navy PV designation - indicating its close relationship to the Ventura - and the Lockheed company designation was Vega Model 15. Ordered by the US Navy in June 1943, the first of 500 PV-2s was flown on 3rd December 1943 and delivered began in March 1944. Serious problems with wing skin wrinkling and leaks in the outer integral wing tanks resulted in the first 30 Harpoons being withdrawn from front line duties and assigned to training operations with their troublesome fuel tanks sealed off. These were redesignated as the PV-2C.

Operations

The PV-2D with eight rather than five fixed machine guns in the nose began appearing later in that year but production ended with the cancellations of orders shortly after VJ day and only 35 were built. The US Navy operated the Harpoon mainly in the Pacific during the last year of the war, flying maritime patrol duties often involving the attacking of enemy shipping and ground targets.

Other Roles

Like many other types, the Harpoon was withdrawn from front line service with the cessation of hostilities but were not retired from all service with many remaining on US Navy strength for some years afterwards, equipping 11 US Navy Reserve wings. Some used as unarmed trainers were redesignated PV-2T. Surplus Harpoons were supplied to Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru and Portugal.

Specification

Dimensions

Wingspan: 22.86 metres (75 feet 0 inches)
Length: 15.85 metres (52 feet 0 inches)
Height: 4.04 metres (13 feet 3 inches)

Powerplants

two 2,000hp (1,491kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-31 18-cylinder radials with three bladed propellers

Weights

Empty: 9,538kg (21,028lb)
Loaded: 16,330kg (36,000lb)

Armament

PV-2 - five 0.50 inch machine guns in nose and two each in dorsal turret and ventral positions
Maximum Internal Bomb Load: 1,814kg (4,000lb) or one 816kg (1,800lb) torpedo plus 907kg (2,000lb) under wings including rocket projectiles
PV-2D - eight 0.50 inch machine guns in nose plus other guns and ordnance

Performance

Maximum Speed: 271mph (436km/h) at sea level, 282mph (454km/h) at 4,175 metres (13,700 feet)
Cruise Speed: 171mph (275km/h)
Initial Climb: 497 metres (1,630 feet)
Service Ceiling: 7,295 metres (23,900 feet)
Normal Range: 1,790 miles (2,880 kilometres)
Maximum Range: 2,930 miles (4,715 kilometres)