The Lockheed P2 Neptune was an American maritime patrol and anti submarine aircraft that first flew the week after VE day in 1945. The aircraft entered service with the United States Navy in 1947 and of the 1,177 built, many were exported to foreign militaries such as the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft was extremely versatile and could be equipped with a wide range of weapons and sensors such as radar, sonobuoys, depth