Developed from the civilian Lockheed Lodestar airliner, the Ventura flew maritime patrol and anti-submarine missions for the US Navy and, as the Harpoon derivative, deep into the closing months of the Pacific war against Japanese shipping and island garrisons.
A U.S. Navy Lockheed PV-1 Ventura patrol bomber in flight, circa 1943.U.S. Navy · Public domain · sourceNew Zealand non-commissioned aircrew serving with the RAF in No. 487 Squadron RNZAF at Methwold in front of Lockheed Ventura EG-A in early 1943.British service personnel · Public domain · sourceAerial photograph of Hawkins Field, Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands in March 1944. Visible on the airfield runways are a Douglas R4D, two Consolidated PBY-5A Catalinas, and several Lockheed PV-1 Venturas. EleU.S. Navy · Public domain · source