Difference between revisions of "PV-2D"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m
(11 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Specs-Card|code=pv_2d}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=pv_2d
 +
|market=PV-2D Harpoon (USA)
 +
}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = American medium bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = standard version
 +
| link = B-34
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]], during the 2017 World War Two: Chronicle event, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards.
 +
 
 +
The PV-2D Harpoon is a bomber and should be played as such. Though its payload is not big enough to attack bases and airfield, it allows for enough power against tactical targets such as ground and naval units. The eight nose-mounted 12.7 mm machine guns also allow for great damage effect on light-skinned enemy vehicles, even enemy planes are able to align the rounds onto the target. Though the gunners provide ample top and bottom protection, the tail of the vehicle is a blind spot to the two turret gunners and thus a tailing pursuant would be a priority threat.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,267 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 488 || 435 || 9,500 || 29.9 || 30.3 || 7.2 || 8.8 || 549
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,267 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 513 || 478 || 9,500 || 26.3 || 28.6 || 19.0 || 12.0 || 549
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || 340 || ~?? || ~?
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 260 || < 290 || < 320 || > 337
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 1,615 m || 1,600 hp || 1,984 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 4,023 m || 1,450 hp || 1,798 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 +
* 12 mm Steel - Armor plate cockpit, in front of the pilot
 +
* 12 mm Steel - Armor plate cockpit, behind the pilot
 +
* 12 mm Steel - Armor plate cockpit, behind radio operator/navigator
 +
* 12 mm Steel - Armor plate - tail section, ventral gunner protection
 +
* 12 mm Steel - Armor plate - dorsal gunner protective plate
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
 +
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 8 × 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, cheek-mounted (250 rpg = 2000 total) [AB Reload time: 20s]
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
 +
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
 +
 
 +
* 6 x 250 lb bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 8 x HVAR rockets
 +
* 8 x HVAR rockets + 6 x 250 lb bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 8 x HVAR rockets + 1 x M13/44 torpedo
 +
* 8 x HVAR rockets + 6 x 500 lb bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 8 x HVAR rockets + 6 x 1,000 lb bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 8 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
 +
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
* 2 × 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 +
 
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "3"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
|
 +
| FRC mk.5
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| ITC mk.3
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
| Turret 12 mm
 +
| SBC-17
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
 +
| LBC-25
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
* Very effective offensive armament; 8 x 12.7 mm Brownings: nose mounted
 +
* Very strong airframe
 +
* Effective defensive armament with good coverage over rear section of aircraft
 +
* The dorsal turret can swivel 360 degrees and even fire at targets off the nose of the plane
 +
* Can provide initial cover for other bombers until fighter escorts reach a bomber altitude
 +
* Great top speed compared to other medium bombers
 +
* Good climb rate
 +
* Excellent payload capacity of bombs, rockets and torpedoes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
* Aircraft defensive blind spots include belly of aircraft
 +
* Mediocre energy retention and manoeuvrability, due to heavyweight (with ordinance loaded)
 +
* Offensive armament will only be useful in attacking enemy bombers, ground targets, or engaging fighters head-on
 +
* Steel construction adds to the overall weight, leaving room for small payload; limited ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber
 +
* Elevators easily shot off, can cause aircraft to become unstable, however, the aircraft can still be controlled operating flaps and/or adjusting engine power
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
===Ventura===
 +
After the success of the Lockheed Hudson, Lockheed sought to introduce another bomber named the ''Ventura'' based off their Model 18 Lodestar transport aircraft. Though similar to the Hudson, the Ventura was a lot bigger. The Royal Air Force adopted the plane under the Ventura name, and the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) adopted it as the [[B-34|B-34 Lexington]]. Though the Ventura was faster and could hold twice as much bombs than the Hudson, the Royal Air Force did not like the plane very much and were replaced by Mosquitos, the surplus Venturas sent towards Coastal Command. America's usage of the B-34 Lexington was complicated with a feud in air power between the USAAF and the US Navy (USN). The USAAF had a monopolization on manufacturing and command of land-based bombers, leading to naval activities such as anti-submarine duties with bombers be shouldered by the USAAF rather than the USN, forcing the usage of float planes like the [[PBY-5_Catalina|Catalina]] in the Navy's role. It wasn't until a compromise with the [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]] in a naval manufacturing factory that the Army finally gave the Navy the aircraft and jurisdiction to act in their roles.
  
 +
===Naval adoption===
 +
The Lockheed Ventura bomber, an aircraft the USN had an eye for, was converted for their usage. The adapted Venturas were adopted under the designation ''PV-1 Ventura'' for the navy, with special equipment for patrol bombing, increased fuel storage along with a decrease in forward defensive armaments, and the addition of search radar. The first PV-1s arrived in December 1942, then entered naval service in February 1943.
 +
 +
The PV-1 was an adequate bomber but provided some weaknesses needed addressing, most notably in that the increased fuel weight made it difficult to take-off without problems. The Ventura design was modified with an increased wing area in order to improve take-off and load-carrying capability. This allowed the aircraft to carry not only up to 4,000 lb of bombs but even rockets under the wings. The redesigned aircraft was accepted by the USN as the '''PV-2 Harpoon'''. More than 500 Harpoons were built in the course of the war, with several variants. The original PV-2 had five forward armaments whereas the '''PV-2D''' updated it with eight forward guns. The ''PV-2C'' and ''PV-2T'' models were models built for training.
 +
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The PV-1 was operated by three squadrons in the Pacific Theater and flew bombing strikes against Japan. The PV-1 usually accompanied [[B-24D-25-CO|B-24]]s due to having a more sophisticated radar system. A few were also given to the Marine Corps fighter squadron VMF(N)-531 at the Solomon Islands.
 +
 +
The PV-2's design had a shaky start, issues with the wings wrinkling came off as dangerously problematic. Another redesign was needed, delaying the introduction into the Navy until early 1945, with the ones already delivered converted for training purposes as the ''PV-2C''. When the Harpoons were finally shipped, it went as the ''PV-2D'' model, and these aircraft designs proved reliable and popular with the crews that used them.
 +
 +
After the war, the Venturas and its variants were eventually declared obsolete. A number were scrapped, some were given away to foreign nations during and after the war. A number of the aircraft still survive today in both airworthy and display-only conditions.
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
''ETC.''
+
''ETC.''-->
 +
* [http://warthunder.com/en/news/4657-development-ww2-chronicles-vehicles-the-pv-2-harpoon-en// [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> WW2 Chronicles vehicles: The PV-2 Harpoon]
 +
 
 +
===Obtainable events===
 +
* The PV-2D Harpoon was available in 2017 World War Two: Chronicle Event, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards.
 +
* It was made available again during the 2018 WW2 Chronicles during the "Special Objectives" section of the event, where it could be assembled as a coupon with 12 Element piece and a scheme, with the latter obtainable after completing seven tasks in air battles and a community milestone of 400,000 completed Special Objectives is obtained.
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 292:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA bombers}}

Revision as of 03:40, 6 June 2019

PV-2D
pv_2d.png
PV-2D
Show in game
MARKET
This page is about the American medium bomber PV-2D. For standard version, see B-34.

Description

GarageImage PV-2D.jpg


The PV-2D Harpoon is a gift rank III American medium bomber with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB), 3.7 (RB), and 3.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.67 "Assault", during the 2017 World War Two: Chronicle event, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards.

The PV-2D Harpoon is a bomber and should be played as such. Though its payload is not big enough to attack bases and airfield, it allows for enough power against tactical targets such as ground and naval units. The eight nose-mounted 12.7 mm machine guns also allow for great damage effect on light-skinned enemy vehicles, even enemy planes are able to align the rounds onto the target. Though the gunners provide ample top and bottom protection, the tail of the vehicle is a blind spot to the two turret gunners and thus a tailing pursuant would be a priority threat.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
488 435 9,500 29.9 30.3 7.2 8.8 549
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
513 478 9,500 26.3 28.6 19.0 12.0 549

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
0 277.8 340 ~?? ~?
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 260 < 290 < 320 > 337
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,615 m 1,600 hp 1,984 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,023 m 1,450 hp 1,798 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 12 mm Steel - Armor plate cockpit, in front of the pilot
  • 12 mm Steel - Armor plate cockpit, behind the pilot
  • 12 mm Steel - Armor plate cockpit, behind radio operator/navigator
  • 12 mm Steel - Armor plate - tail section, ventral gunner protection
  • 12 mm Steel - Armor plate - dorsal gunner protective plate

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The PV-2D is armed with:

  • 8 × 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, cheek-mounted (250 rpg = 2000 total) [AB Reload time: 20s]

Suspended armament

      Main article: Bombs

The PV-2D can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • 6 x 250 lb bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 8 x HVAR rockets
  • 8 x HVAR rockets + 6 x 250 lb bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 8 x HVAR rockets + 1 x M13/44 torpedo
  • 8 x HVAR rockets + 6 x 500 lb bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 8 x HVAR rockets + 6 x 1,000 lb bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 8 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The PV-2D is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 2 × 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

Usage in the battles

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm FRC mk.5
II Compressor Airframe ITC mk.3
III Wings Repair Engine New 12 mm MGs Turret 12 mm SBC-17
IV Engine Injection Cover New 12 mm MGs (turret) LBC-25

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very effective offensive armament; 8 x 12.7 mm Brownings: nose mounted
  • Very strong airframe
  • Effective defensive armament with good coverage over rear section of aircraft
  • The dorsal turret can swivel 360 degrees and even fire at targets off the nose of the plane
  • Can provide initial cover for other bombers until fighter escorts reach a bomber altitude
  • Great top speed compared to other medium bombers
  • Good climb rate
  • Excellent payload capacity of bombs, rockets and torpedoes

Cons:

  • Aircraft defensive blind spots include belly of aircraft
  • Mediocre energy retention and manoeuvrability, due to heavyweight (with ordinance loaded)
  • Offensive armament will only be useful in attacking enemy bombers, ground targets, or engaging fighters head-on
  • Steel construction adds to the overall weight, leaving room for small payload; limited ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber
  • Elevators easily shot off, can cause aircraft to become unstable, however, the aircraft can still be controlled operating flaps and/or adjusting engine power

History

Ventura

After the success of the Lockheed Hudson, Lockheed sought to introduce another bomber named the Ventura based off their Model 18 Lodestar transport aircraft. Though similar to the Hudson, the Ventura was a lot bigger. The Royal Air Force adopted the plane under the Ventura name, and the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) adopted it as the B-34 Lexington. Though the Ventura was faster and could hold twice as much bombs than the Hudson, the Royal Air Force did not like the plane very much and were replaced by Mosquitos, the surplus Venturas sent towards Coastal Command. America's usage of the B-34 Lexington was complicated with a feud in air power between the USAAF and the US Navy (USN). The USAAF had a monopolization on manufacturing and command of land-based bombers, leading to naval activities such as anti-submarine duties with bombers be shouldered by the USAAF rather than the USN, forcing the usage of float planes like the Catalina in the Navy's role. It wasn't until a compromise with the B-29 Superfortress in a naval manufacturing factory that the Army finally gave the Navy the aircraft and jurisdiction to act in their roles.

Naval adoption

The Lockheed Ventura bomber, an aircraft the USN had an eye for, was converted for their usage. The adapted Venturas were adopted under the designation PV-1 Ventura for the navy, with special equipment for patrol bombing, increased fuel storage along with a decrease in forward defensive armaments, and the addition of search radar. The first PV-1s arrived in December 1942, then entered naval service in February 1943.

The PV-1 was an adequate bomber but provided some weaknesses needed addressing, most notably in that the increased fuel weight made it difficult to take-off without problems. The Ventura design was modified with an increased wing area in order to improve take-off and load-carrying capability. This allowed the aircraft to carry not only up to 4,000 lb of bombs but even rockets under the wings. The redesigned aircraft was accepted by the USN as the PV-2 Harpoon. More than 500 Harpoons were built in the course of the war, with several variants. The original PV-2 had five forward armaments whereas the PV-2D updated it with eight forward guns. The PV-2C and PV-2T models were models built for training.

Combat usage

The PV-1 was operated by three squadrons in the Pacific Theater and flew bombing strikes against Japan. The PV-1 usually accompanied B-24s due to having a more sophisticated radar system. A few were also given to the Marine Corps fighter squadron VMF(N)-531 at the Solomon Islands.

The PV-2's design had a shaky start, issues with the wings wrinkling came off as dangerously problematic. Another redesign was needed, delaying the introduction into the Navy until early 1945, with the ones already delivered converted for training purposes as the PV-2C. When the Harpoons were finally shipped, it went as the PV-2D model, and these aircraft designs proved reliable and popular with the crews that used them.

After the war, the Venturas and its variants were eventually declared obsolete. A number were scrapped, some were given away to foreign nations during and after the war. A number of the aircraft still survive today in both airworthy and display-only conditions.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

Obtainable events

  • The PV-2D Harpoon was available in 2017 World War Two: Chronicle Event, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards.
  • It was made available again during the 2018 WW2 Chronicles during the "Special Objectives" section of the event, where it could be assembled as a coupon with 12 Element piece and a scheme, with the latter obtainable after completing seven tasks in air battles and a community milestone of 400,000 completed Special Objectives is obtained.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner"