Lockheed P-2 Neptune Maritime Patrol 2

The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft that served as a workhorse for the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. With its first flight in 1945 and operational use spanning from the late 1940s through the 1970s, the P-2 Neptune was a symbol of American aerial might during the Cold War. Equipped with advanced radar, magnetic anomaly detectors, and armed with torpedoes, depth charges, and later, nuclear weapons, the Neptune was a formidable adversary against submarines. Its versatility also allowed for roles in maritime surveillance, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions. The Neptune was known for its distinctive feature of having both piston and jet engines, which provided a unique combination of range and speed. As one of the first aircraft designed for the specific task of maritime patrol, the P-2 Neptune set the standard for future generations of aircraft in this role, leaving a lasting legacy in military aviation history.