The P2V-4 Neptune made its maiden flight on November 14, 1949. Equipment of the Dash 4 was similar to the P2V-2S modified for the ASW mission. This model was delivered with a solid gun nose, distinctive underslung wingtip fuel tanks and the APS-20 radar in a ventral radome. After 25 examples had been completed with the R-3350-62WA piston engines, the remaining 27 P2V-4 models had the R-335O-3OW compound engine providing 3,350hp. After fleet service, the -4 was passed to the reserves. By the end of 1962 the last of the P2V-4’s, now redesignated P-2D, were retired.
VP-26 began transition training from the PB4Y-2 Privateer to the P2V-4 Neptune in 1950. The "Tridents" traded their Dash 4s for the P2V-5 in 1954. (Author's Collection)