Lockheed Ventura

Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber

The Lockheed Ventura was a twin-engine medium bomber and maritime patrol aircraft developed from the civil Lockheed Model 14, built to a British Purchasing Commission requirement as a successor to the Hudson. It served with Commonwealth air forces primarily in maritime patrol and medium bombing roles.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	15.77 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

Twin-engine bomber with twin endplate tail fins
Development of the civilian Model 14 Super Electra
Used extensively by RAF and RNZAF on maritime patrol

A twin-engine aircraft with the characteristic Lockheed twin endplate tail fins, mid-mounted tapered wings, and retractable undercarriage; bulkier and more angular than the Hudson from which it descended.

Specifications

The Lockheed Ventura has a length of 15.77 m (52 ft).
It has a wingspan of 19.96 m (65 ft).
Its maximum speed is 518 km/h (322 mph).
Typical crew: 4–5.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in July 1941, the Ventura was produced for the RAF, RNZAF, RCAF, SAAF, and USAAF (as the B-34/O-56). Its performance was adequate but it suffered high losses on low-level bombing raids over occupied Europe, leading the RAF to reassign it to maritime patrol. The PV-1 Ventura for the US Navy replaced it in production, evolving further into the PV-2 Harpoon.

Variants

Ventura Mk I–IV for Commonwealth forces; B-34 Lexington and O-56 for USAAF; PV-1 was the US Navy version leading to the PV-2 Harpoon.

Where you'll see it

Served primarily with Commonwealth air forces including the RAF, RNZAF, RCAF, and SAAF; also used by the USAAF and US Navy.

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