Lockheed B-34/PV Ventura/Harpoon

---

The early success of the Lockheed Hudson resulted in the development of a more advanced design for the British, to be named the B-34. These first entered service in October 1942. Later designated the Ventura I, the new aircraft differed from the Hudson in having a wider and deeper fuselage with a length increase of 16%, more powerful engines, the introduction of a proper ventral gun position, and a larger bomb bay. As aircraft were transferred between the Lend-Lease program, the USAAF, and the U.S. Navy, designations went from B-34 to R-37 to B-37 to PV-3. The Navy received its first quantities in December 1942 as the PV-1 (Ventura). In June 1943 the Navy ordered a new version under the designation PV-2 and with the name Harpoon. This version had the wingspan increased by 9 feet, increased fuel capacity, greater fin and rudder area, and improved armament (five .50 cal forward firing machine guns in the nose, two 50 cal machine guns in both dorsal turret and ventral position, and up to four 1000 lb. bombs internally with two 1000 lb. bombs externally). The PV-2 served primarily in the Pacific theater, and was well-used until the end of the war.

For more data on this aircraft, click here for Joe Baugher's webpage.
USAF archives on this aircraft, click here.
For more photos, history, and info on the PV-1 and PV-2, see the aircraft  webpage at vpnavy.com
Additional information on this aircraft can be found at Wikipedia here.
(updated February 2009)
 

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura (PV-2 stats below)

Type:		patrol bomber
Crew:		4-5
Armament: 	two forward firing .50 cal machine guns
		two .50 cal machine guns in dorsal turret
		two .30 cal ventral machine guns 
		six 500 lb. bombs or one torpedo in internal bomb bay
		up to two 1000 lb. bombs externally

Specifications:
	Length:        	51' 9" 
	Height:        	11' 11" (3.63 m)
	Wingspan:      	65' 6" (19.96 m)
	Wing area:	551 sq. ft (51.19 sq. m)
	Empty Weight:  	20,197 lb 
	Gross Weight: 	31,077 lb 

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	2
	Powerplant:    	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-31 Double Wasp radial
	Horsepower:	2000 hp each

Performance:
	Range:		1660 st miles 
	Cruise Speed:   164 mph 
	Max Speed:      312 mph at 13,800 ft
	Ceiling:       	26,300 ft 

Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon

Type:		patrol bomber
Crew:		4-5
Armament: 	five fixed forward firing .50 cal machine guns
		two flexible .50 cal machine guns in dorsal turret
		two flexible .50 cal machine guns in ventral mount
		six .30 cal machine guns on flex mounts 
		up to four 1000 lb. bombs in internal bomb bay
		up to two 1000 lb. bombs externally

Specifications:
	Length:        	52' 0.5" 
	Height:        	11' 11" 
	Wingspan:      	74' 11" 
	Wing area:	686 sq. ft 
	Empty Weight:  	21,028 lb 
	Gross Weight: 	36,000 lb 

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	2
	Powerplant:    	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-31 Double Wasp radial
	Horsepower:	2000 hp each

Performance:
	Range:		1790 st miles 
	Cruise Speed:   171 mph 
	Max Speed:      282 mph at 13,700 ft
	Ceiling:       	23,900 ft 

(go to Lockheed page)

If this page does not have a navigational frame on the left, click HERE to see the rest of the website.