Lockheed P-2 Neptune

P-2 (P2V) Neptune
SP-2H of VP-56 over the Atlantic.
General information
Type	Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed
Status	Retired
Primary users	United States Navy Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Royal Australian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force
Number built	1,177 (total)[1]
History
Introduction date	March 1947
First flight	17 May 1945
Retired	1984 (military) 2017 (civilian)
Variants	Kawasaki P-2J

The Lockheed P-2 Neptune (designated P2V by the United States Navy prior to September 1962) is a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. It was developed for the US Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and was replaced in turn by the Lockheed P-3 Orion. Designed as a land-based aircraft, the Neptune never made a carrier landing, but a small number were converted and deployed as carrier-launched (using JATO assist), stop-gap nuclear bombers that would have to land on shore or ditch. The type was successful in export, and saw service with several armed forces.