Lockheed SP-2H Neptune

Maritime patrol aircraft By: Lockheed Origin: United States First Flight: 1945

About This Aircraft

The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a successful American maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. This example is an SP-2H variant, painted as "204" of the Royal Netherlands Naval Air Service. The SP-2H was a significantly updated version, notable for its unusual mixed-propulsion system. It was powered by two Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engines for long-endurance cruise, supplemented by two Westinghouse J34 turbojets under the wings for extra power during take-off and for bursts of speed during attack runs. The aircraft carried a wide array of submarine detection equipment, including radar in the nose, a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) boom extending from the tail, and sonobuoys.

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

Exhibits can change. To avoid disappointment, before visiting, please check the museum website for up-to-date exhibit listings.

Royal Air Force Museum Midlands (RAF Cosford) (Shropshire)

On public display (External park) (ex-Royal Netherlands Navy)
Static Display

Image Gallery

Additional images of this Lockheed SP-2H Neptune.

Lockheed SP-2H Neptune 204 ASW Aircraft showing it's Magnetic Anomaly Detector at RAF Museum Midlands (Cosford)

Lockheed SP-2H Neptune 204 ASW Aircraft at RAF Museum Midlands (Cosford)