Lockheed P-2 Neptune

P-2 (P2V) Neptune
SP-2H of VP-56 over the Atlantic.
Role	Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare Type of aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed
First flight	17 May 1945
Introduction	March 1947
Retired	1984 (military) 2011 (civilian)
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]
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.