Beginning with the P2V-5F model, the Neptune became one of the first operational aircraft fitted with both piston and jet engines. The Convair B-36, several Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter, Fairchild C-123 Provider, North American AJ Savage, and Avro Shackleton aircraft were also so equipped.

May 18, 2018 · Lockheed’s P2V Neptune served in Korea and Vietnam, searched for Soviet submarines and even carried nuclear weapons, but today is largely forgotten.

In addition, they obtained three Lockheed P2V-5Fs. The P2V-5Fs were reconfigured onsite from the standard maritime reconnaissance to similar electronic suites as the P-4Ms.

Beginning with the P2V-5F model, the Neptune became one of the first operational aircraft fitted with both piston and jet engines. Originally developed by Lockheed for the US Navy, the Neptune served as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.

The P2V-5 was the most numerous Neptune variant produced and would serve as the basis for the largest number of sub-type modifications developed of any of the Neptune series. First flown on 29 December 1950, twenty-three Model 426-42-06s (124865/124887) were built.

May 24, 2017 · The P2V-5F variant added a pair of Westinghouse J34 jet engines, providing increased thrust for takeoffs and extra dash speed used when prosecuting or attacking targets. Future Neptunes would all be equipped to fly with “two turning and two burning.”

The P2V-5 was capable of carrying an 8,0001b load of mines, torpedoes, bombs or depth charges and sixteen rockets on under-wing launch stubs, later reduced to 8 with the addition of the J-34s. An APS-20 radar was mounted in the underbelly position just behind the nose wheel doors.

A P2V-5 is on the deck of the Intrepid Air and Space Museum in New York, and an AP2H exists on display at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson. A few more remain as gate guardians at Naval Air Stations, including NAS Brunswick, and NAS Jacksonville.

The P2V-5F led to further subvariants. The "P2V-5FD" was a modification to act as a target drone controller. All armament was removed as well as most of the combat avionics, and the aircraft was fitted with drone control systems and a pair of pylons for carrying Ryan Firebee drones. These drone controllers remained in service until the early 1970s.

P2V-5F, BuAer 128374, as it was originally delivered to the Navy with the Aero 9B nose turret, dorsal and tail turrer. This reserve aircraft has also been retro-fitted with J-34s. NAS Denver, 1955.