Lockheed Ventura I

Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber

The Ventura I was the initial RAF designation for the Lockheed Ventura, a twin-engine medium bomber developed from the Model 18 Lodestar transport. It entered RAF Bomber Command service in 1942 as a successor to the Hudson.

Recognition (WEFT)

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

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Spot it by:

Twin-engine medium bomber derived from Lodestar airliner
British name for the USAAF B-34; Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engines
Dorsal turret and ventral position plus fixed forward guns

The Ventura's twin-fin tail, twin Double Wasp radials in prominent nacelles, and mid-mounted straight wing distinguish it from the earlier Hudson; it is longer and more angular than the Hudson.

Specifications

The Lockheed Ventura I 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.

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

History

Ordered by the RAF as a replacement for the Lockheed Hudson, the Ventura proved faster but more vulnerable to fighter interception in daylight operations over Europe. After suffering heavy losses on low-level raids, RAF Venturas were transferred to maritime patrol and other roles from 1943.

Variants

RAF variants included the Ventura I, II, and IIA; the USAAF designation was B-34 Lexington, and the US Navy operated the PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon derivatives.

Where you'll see it

Operated by RAF Bomber Command 1942–43 before transfer to Coastal Command and overseas theatres; also served with SAAF, RNZAF, and other Commonwealth air forces.

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