Sea Sentinel. The Lockheed P2V Neptune [1500X1025]

[-]

Maleficent_Spare_950@reddit

My friend’s dad flew one of these out of Taiwan doing photo reconnaissance over the China Coastlines. He said once they got whim of Chinese MiGs being sent up to intercept them, they’d fire up the turbines and throttle the hell out of there.

[-]

Crazylamph1@reddit

what do you mean turbines? wikipedia says these have Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclones

[-]

SirLoremIpsum@reddit

She was fitted with 2 x radial pistons AND 2 x turbo jets.

Usually in this configuration the goal was for more power for heavier take off, then shut down the jets and only use the props for more efficient cruising.

Thus you're hanging out till enemy shows up. Then engage the jets and skedaddle

[-]

LefsaMadMuppet@reddit

The Neptune is one of those planes that you don't really give a second glance at... until you look at their operational history. Then you end up going down a rabbit hole of nearly infinite depth.

[-]

lindsayw54@reddit

Neptunes were still in service when I joined the RAAF in the early 70s

[-]

Telepornographer@reddit

For civilian use they were used up until 2017, most often for aerial firefighting.

[-]

lindsayw54@reddit

We have a single flying example in Australia. It's at a place called HARS, Historic Aircraft Restoration Society, at Albion Park Rail in New South Wales, south of Sydney. They also operate a Catalina, a Tracker and a P3. They have other aircraft, these are just the maritime types.

[-]

PerformerPossible204@reddit

Step dad flew these. He was off the coast of Nam early, early one morning at about 1000 ft. He was in the right seat, and woke up as the airplane rolled through about 40 degrees AOB. He looked left, and the FE and other pilot were both out cold. He grabbed the yoke, and leveled out. Wide awake then!

Also, they'd shoot at sharks with the .50

Read 'Coffee on the wing beam' if you want to hear how these flight crews operated.

[-]

Kleinstadtgauner@reddit

Can’t get it in Europe. Well, not under 70€ at least 🥲 any „hints“ where to grab a copy or e-book?

[-]

PerformerPossible204@reddit

Damn. Found the same price here. I read a copy stepdad had years ago- no ebook either.

[-]

HokieAero@reddit

This is a P2V-7 with the raised cockpit. Also has jet-assist engines for takeoff.

[-]

aviation_knut@reddit

I was a crew chief on a Neptune modified for firefighting. They have a very unique sound when flying. When it’s headed towards you, all you hear is the 3350 radial engines “brrrrrrrr.” After it passes you, all you hear is the deep whine of the J34 jet engines.

[-]

Schruef@reddit

Looks funky but cool

[-]

TriviaRunnerUp@reddit

To me, looks like an A26 Invader with many Mr Potato Head accessories attached.

[-]

Notchersfireroad@reddit

Used to watch P2 Borate Bombers do their thing in the Sierra Nevada's during fire season as a kid.

[-]

Specialist_Reality96@reddit

HARS have an operational one with the turbine still in use as well. The Wright compund cyclone rated to 3500hp each cylinder is around 3.2 litres and the turbine power recovery system is a bit of a piece of work. The P3 was a much more capable and suitable airframe for the task.

[-]