Lockheed SP2H Neptune

This land-based anti-submarine aircraft made its first flight in May 1945 and went into service with the US and Allied forces, including the RAF, in the early years of the Cold War.

In 1946 a Neptune took off from Perth, Australia and flew 11,235 miles non-stop to Colombus, Ohio, setiing a world distance record for propellor-driven aircraft.

It originally carried a formidable array of guns, but these gradually made way for tons of electronic anti-submarine equipment. The Neptune was powered by twin Wright Cyclone piston engines, backed up by a pair of turbojets to increase take off power.

The Neptune remained in production until 1969 and 1,100 were built - more than any other post war maritime patrol aircraft.

Cosford's Neptune is on loan from the Helders Marinemuseum on behalf of the Royal Netherlands Navy.