The PV 2 Harpoon was a bomber that was in high demand by both the United States and the United Kingdom. To discover the history behind the PV 2 Harpoon, simply continue reading. Especially if you have a keen interest in aircraft, WWII, or military aircraft. You’ll even learn where working models of the PV 2 Harpoon exist and where you can visit one at a museum.
It was designed by the United States Navy:
The PV 2 Harpoon was designed by the United States Navy and was a twin-engine medium bomber, which saw a lot of action in Europe and the Pacific during WWII. One of the purposes of the PV 2 Harpoon was to be used as an anti-submarine aircraft.
Its first flight took place in 1941.
The PV 2 Harpoon’s first flight took place in 1941. The year that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the United States decided to take a more active role in WWII.
Its first flight took place approximately two years before it was first used by the US military in combat in the Pacific in 1943. During which time it served as a patrol bomber. However, the PV 2 Harpoon was first used in Combat in Europe in 1942. As the Royal Air Force which was part of the British armed forces chose to use it as a bomber in Europe at the end of 1942. Due to its success, in Europe, the United States Navy decided to use it in the Pacific the following year. In order to try and regain control of the Pacific and to stop Japanese submarines from freely moving around the Pacific basin.
It was a popular choice with international military forces:
Not only did the US military rely on the PV 2 Harpoon, but the model was also used by the military forces of Portugal, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Soviet Union. Which is a testament to its design and functionality.
There are still airworthy models which are privately owned:
In the United States alone, there are still original airworthy PV 2 Harpoon aircraft in flight in Minnesota, California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Arizona. Which is a testament to the design and build quality of the PV 2 Harpoon.
There are models in museums around the world:
If you’d like to see a PV 2 Harpoon in person, you’ll be able to see one in Johannesburg, South Africa, Auckland, New Zealand, Pensacola, Florida, Tuscon, Arizona, and North Myrtle Beach, South Florida. So if you would love to see a model in person, it’s well worth planning a trip in the United States or to South Africa or New Zealand to see one in person.
In conclusion, whether you have an interest in military aircraft, WWII, or aircraft in general, hopefully, you now have a sense of how important the PV 2 Harpoon was around the world. Especially in allied countries during WII.
Leave a Reply