Owashi |
Lockheed SP-2H First flown on 17 May 1945, the Neptune was designed as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, and this dictated that it have extreme endurance and range, in addition to a large internal weapons bay, defensive capabilities and good short-field capability. Its design featured high-aspect ratio wings, a large fuel load and powerful engines a combination which eventually resulted in a production Neptune setting a world distance record of 11,235 miles in 1946, by flying nonstop and un-refueled from Today, at least 40 P-2s still serve in civilian roles, mostly as firebombers in the USA. A few are pure warbirds, providing their proud owners with the great range, endurance and utility which defined the 's success while in military service. Specifications (P2V-7 / P-2H): Engines: Two 3,500-hp Wright R-3350-32 turbo-compound radial piston engines, plus two 3,400-lb thrust Westinghouse J34-WE-36 auxiliary turbojets. Weight: Empty 49,935 lbs., Max Takeoff 79,895 lbs. Wing Span: 103ft. 10in. Length: 91ft. 8in. Height: 29ft. 4in. Maximum Speed: 403 mph at 14,000 ft. Ceiling: 22,000 ft. Range: 3,685 miles Armament: Two 12.7-mm (0.5-inch) machine guns in dorsal turret, plus rack for underwing rockets, and up to 8,000 lbs of bombs, depth charges or torpedoes. USN 84 René Hieronymus Scale 1:72 Building time: 34 hrs. |