P2V-6 (P-2F) / model 626

The P2V-6 was a multipurpose version of the Neptune first flown on October 10, 1952.   This model had a lengthened weapons bay, 4'1" (1.24m) longer than the previous P2V-5.  A smaller AN/APS-70 radar replaced the AN/APS-20.  This model also featured the longer Emerson Aero 9C nose turret, adding 12" (30cm) to provide for additional equipment space between the nose turret and the flight deck.  A Martin 250CE329 deck turret and the Emerson Aero 11A tail turret  rounded out the configuration.  Less obvious changes included revised tip tanks that increased the fuel capacity to 4,200 gallons (15,899 Litres), a single point pressure fueling system, and the engine nacelles were fabricated entirely of stainless steel.  

Sixteen anti-shipping examples of the P2V-6B were delivered to the USN in 1953.  Equipped with under-wing racks for two Fairchild AUM-N-2 Petrel Missles.  These aircraft were later designated P2V-6M and from September 1962, is was known as the MP-2F.

France's Aéronautique Navale  received thirty-one P2V-6s in 1953 (including the first -6 off the Burbank production line) to equip three Flottilles: 21F, 23F and 25F. All were originally delivered with nose, deck and tail turrets.  Towards the end of 1956, the P2V-6s had been equipped with the MAD tail and related equipment.  The nose turrets were the next to go, replaced by the observation nose in 1957, followed by the deck turret in 1959.  The "Julie" system was added in 1962.   By 1967 the French Dash 6 had been retired and placed in storage.  Only a single example was retained as an instructional airframe.

83 examples of the type were built for the Navy (52) and the  Aéronautique Navale (31).