Lockheed P-2 (P2V) Neptune: Specifications

The first Lockheed P-2 (P2V) Neptune, built for the U.S. Navy was in service around 1945. It was used for submarine surveillance and also for long range patrol until, beginning in the 1960s, it was replaced by the Lockheed P-3 Orion. The P-2 was converted for use as an air tanker, first by the U.S. Forest Service and then by independent operators. Originally a twin-engine aircraft with two reciprocating engines, the addition of two turbo jets to later models gives the aircraft additional power.

Three models of P-2’s are used as air tankers. The P2V-5 and the P2V-7 have identical specifications with the only difference being that the P2V-7 has a bubble cockpit. With 6 gates, the P2V uses a multiple-door gate system for retardant drops.

Specs (P2V-5/P2V-7 models):

length (ft): 86
wing span (ft): 98
turning radius (ft): 72
cruise speed (mph): 225
range loaded (st. miles): 1,100
gross weight (lbs): 80,000
contract op.wt (lbs): 73,900
retardant loads: 2,400 gallons
number of gates: 6

The third model, a SP2H is modified Lockheed P2V where the jet engines are removed. The retardant tank has a smaller capacity then the P2V and the retardant delivery system is a variable flow system with one gate. The aircraft is lighter then the P2V.

Specs (SP2H):

length (ft): 95
wing span (ft): 98
turning radius (ft): 71
cruise speed (mph): 22
range loaded (st. miles): 1,100
gross weight (lbs): 80,000
contract op.wt (lbs): 62,000
retardant loads: 2,000 gallons
number of gates: 1

Neptune Aviation has several (ten, I think) P2V’s under nationwide contract. For more pictures and videos of the P2V in action see these You Tube videos:

Lockheed PV2 Neptune Fire Bombers in California
Air Tanker Drop on Palace Fire, Prescott AZ
Milford Flat Fire-Tanker Drop