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Lockheed CP-127 (P2V-7) Neptune
Click on thumbnails for large image
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This Aircraft, 24104, on 3 April 1968, flew the last
operational Neptune mission. Primarily an anti-submarine warfare
Aircraft, 4117 was also equipped with smoke generators and used
for airshow demonstrations.
CF Photo
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The Neptune served in Maritime Air Command from 1955
until it was replaced by the Canadair Argus in 1968. This Neptune,
24102, served with 407 Squadron at Comox, B.C., before being sold
in 1968 to a civilian owner.
CF Photo
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When bought in 1955, all Neptunes came in this midnight-blue
paint scheme. This was changed several years later to a grey and
white scheme. Neptune 24115, seen here, flew with 405 Maritime
Patrol Squadron until 1965.
CF Photo
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A Lockheed Neptune on patrol over the picturesque
coastline of British Columbia, Canada. First flown in 1944, the
Neptune was eventually equipped with both piston and jet engines--one
of the only Aircraft types ever to receive such a modification.
The smaller jet engines are visible on this Neptune, just outboard
of the props.
CF Photo
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Although the primary role of the Neptune was anti-submarine
warfare, anti-shipping was also considered an important ability.
Here Neptune 24106 of 404 Maritime Patrol Squadron launches a set
of unguided rockets at a range target.
CF Photo
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Neptune 24102 served with 407 Squadron at RCAF Station
Comox from 1955 until 1968. This picture clearly displays the Westinghouse
J-34 jet engines in their underwing pods as well as the surface-search
radar in the belly dome.
CF Photo
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Neptune 24120 of the RCAF's Maritime Air Command
served from 30 March, 1955 until the entirety of the 25 Aircraft
fleet was struck off strength on 31 July, 1968, none of them ever
having been so seriously damaged as to have been struck off strength
prior to fleet retirement. Neptunes initially equipped 404 and
405 Maritime Patrol Squadrons operating out of RCAF Station Greenwood,
Nova Scotia and the Maitime Proving and Evaluation Unit also out
of Greenwood and later out of RCAF Station Summerside, P.E.I. Once
the Canadair Argus started becoming available for squadron use,
the Neptunes were sent to equip 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron on
the west coast while the Argus was being used to equip the east
coast squadrons. Eventually this process of upgrading led to 407
Squadron also being equipped with the new Argus and the RCAF retiring
their Neptune fleet altogether.
CF Photo
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