Why was the Lockheed P2V Neptune aircraft retired after almost 40 years in service?

The P2V-1 Neptune, also known as the “Truculent Turtle,” made history in 1946 by becoming the first plane to fly nonstop without refueling from Perth, Australia to Columbus, Ohio, covering a distance of 11,235 miles in 55 hours and 17 minutes. However, its unrefueled distance record was later surpassed by the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress in 1962.

The P2V Neptune was a high-winged aircraft with twin engines that had an impressive load-bearing capacity for its time. It was capable of carrying payloads nearly 300% times its own weight, including four wartime pilots and even a baby kangaroo during its record-breaking flight.

When it was initially introduced, the P2V Neptune was equipped with radar, sonar, and magnetic anomaly detection sensors. It also boasted anti-shipping and anti-submarine weapons. In fact, it was the first Navy plane capable of transporting an atomic bomb, although this capability was temporary until the completion of the AJ Savage in 1950, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.

In its P2V-3C configuration, the aircraft could accommodate Mk1 atomic weapons with certain modifications such as reduced crewing, increased internal fuel, and compatibility with JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off). The P2V-3C was even reported by Air & Space Magazine in 1950 as the largest aircraft ever deployed from an aircraft carrier.

Furthermore, in the same year, the P2V-5 Neptune became one of the first operational aircraft to be fitted with both piston and jet engines.

Despite its many accomplishments, the Lockheed P2V Neptune was eventually retired after almost 40 years of service.