Lockheed Ventura II

Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1942 · bomber

The Ventura II was an uprated RAF variant powered by Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engines delivering greater performance than the Ventura I. It served briefly with Bomber Command before the type was reassigned to maritime and training roles.

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 Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engines in large nacelles
Twin-fin tail assembly common to all Ventura variants
Mid-mounted straight wing with dorsal turret visible aft of cockpit

Visually identical to the Ventura I; engine nacelle shape may differ subtly with the R-2800 installation, but the twin-fin tail and mid-wing configuration are definitive for the type.

Specifications

The Lockheed Ventura II 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

The Ventura II entered RAF service in 1942 with 487 Squadron RNZAF and 21 Squadron among others, flying daylight bombing raids over occupied Europe. The type's vulnerability to fighter interception led to it being withdrawn from the day bombing role by mid-1943.

Variants

Part of the Ventura I/II/IIA RAF sequence; corresponds broadly to US production batches delivered under Lend-Lease.

Where you'll see it

Operated by RAF Bomber Command briefly in 1942–43; subsequently saw service with Coastal Command, SAAF, and Commonwealth air forces in the Middle East and Far East.

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