P2V-7 (P-2H) / model 726
model 726
The Lockheed Model 726 was the final Neptune variant off the Lockheed production line. First flown on April 26, 1954, Model 726-45-14 was powered by a pair of 3,700hp (with water injection) Wright R-3350-32W Turbo Compound engines and a pair of Westinghouse J-34-WE-36 turbo jet engines. This model had a top dash speed of 364mph making it the fastest of the Lockheed produced Neptunes.
The APS-20 search radar with its larger radome was mounted further forward than that on the earlier P2V-5s. The P2V-7 could carry an ordnance load of 10,000 lbs. in a larger weapons bay. The flight deck was raised and a redesigned canopy provided improved visibility. The smaller wing tip tanks of the later P2V-5s were also fitted.
A total of 287 Neptunes, including forty-eight assembled in Japan by Kawasaki at Gifu, were built under the P2V-7 designation as Model 726-45-14s (148 aircraft for the US Navy, Aéronavale and Japan.)
Model 726-45-17s (114 aircraft, with revised accommodation, for the same customers and the RAAF)
Model 826-45-14 (25 aircraft for the RCAF, delivered without the under-wing J-34s).
The P2V-7B (Model 726-45-18) designation was given to 15 aircraft built for the MLD.
Lockheed production of the Neptune ended in 1962. By the 1970s, P-2s had been phased out from all Fleet Patrol Squadrons remaining in service with 11 of the 12 Reserve Patrol Squadrons. In July 1977, VP-67 transitioned to the P-3 Orion ending 31 years of Fleet and Reserve patrol operations with the US Navy.
USN FLEET P2v-7 gallery
2V-7S of VP-2 most likely photographed at Adak or Kodiak between 1963-64. Formally with VP-1, 145913 was assigned to VP-2 in 1963. This aircraft was later lost in a landing accident at NAS Kodiak on 02/06/1964 with no casualties. (Scan from Kodachrome slide)
USN RESERVE P2v-7 gallery
SP-2H of VP-94, taken in 10/72 at NAS Belle Chasse, New Orleans. VP-94 was established as part of the reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve that took place in mid-1970. The "Crawfishers" traded up to the P-3A Orion in October 1976.
USN Special test P2v-7 gallery
Aéronavale P2v-7 gallery
Following up on the P2V-6, the Aéronavale took delivery of an additional 32 P2V-7s beginning in 1958. The P2V-7s were operated by Flottilles 23F, 24F, 25F, Escadrilles de Servitude 9S and 12s. The Neptune would continue to serve until the 1980s when Escadrille 12S finally relinquished its last SP-2H during the summer of 1984.
Aircraft 147569 was delivered to 23F in 1958. This aircraft would later be fitted with a solid nose housing test equipment and carried the name "Goldorak" into the early 80's.
MLD P2v-7 gallery
Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD)
The Royal Netherlands Navy (MLD) acquired 15 Lockheed P2V-7B Neptune aircraft in 1961 to bolster their presence in Netherlands New Guinea during a conflict with Indonesia. These aircraft were delivered to No. 321 Squadron between September 1961 and February 1962, with most flown from Lockheed Burbank to Naval Air Station Biak, covering over 6,000 miles.
Following the resolution of the conflict in August 1962, the Neptunes returned to the Netherlands, though one aircraft (serial 200) was lost due to an engine fire and crash at Mokmer Airport. The remaining fleet was assigned to 320 Squadron at NAS Valkenburg, replacing Grumman Tracker aircraft. Over time, the fleet underwent major upgrades, including improved ASW/ECM systems and the removal of 20mm nose cannons, transforming them into P2V-7S (SP-2H) variants.
As France stepped up its Neptune replacement program, the MLD Neptune force was supplemented by four French SP-2Hs during 1965.
By the 1970s, Dutch Neptunes adopted a dark sea grey color scheme and were tasked with search and rescue (SAR) and pollution surveillance. From 1974 onwards, three Neptunes were stationed at Hato Airbase, Curaçao, primarily for SAR duties. The aircraft were gradually retired from service starting in 1969.