"Harpooned"
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WWII Lockheed PV-1 Ventura was a Navy patrol plane based on the commercial
Model 18 Lodestar. Even as production began on the Ventura, Lockheed
started design work on a version that would better suit the Navy's needs,
the PV-2 Harpoon. With an increased wingspan came greater payload and fuel
capacity. A redesigned tail improved ground handling and single-engine
control. Production was begun late in 1943 and Harpoons saw Pacific
theater action in early 1945. Harpoons carried out armed reconnaissance
mission as well as rocket and bombing attacks until the end of the war. By
the end of WWII almost half of the Navy patrol squadrons were flying the
PV-2. The Harpoon became the Navy's standard fleet patrol aircraft for
several years after the war until the new Neptune started coming on line.
Harpoons served into the 1950s with Navy reserve squadrons. A limited edition of 500 printed on 100% acid-free cover stock. Original available. Size is 22"x 28" including a 2" white border. $54.95 + $7.95 shipping and handling. |
