The Lockheed B-37 Ventura was a medium bomber and maritime patrol aircraft developed from the L-18 Lodestar transport used by US and allied forces during WW2. The first Lockheed Ventura variant supplied to the RAF were designated Lockheed Ventura B-34 Lexington but these lacked sufficient power for it's intended bomber role and were re-assigned to maritime patrol duties with Coastal Command, the bomber role being taken over by de Havilland Mosquitoes. The USAAF also found the Ventura's performance lacking and as a result the gave their Ventures to the United States Navy for maritime patrol duties. Lockheed B-34 Lexington Specifications: - Crew: 6
- Length: 51 ft 5 in (15.7 m)
- Wingspan: 65 ft 6 in (20 m)
- Height: 11 ft 10 in (3.6 m)
- Wing area: 551 ft² (51.2 m²)
- Empty weight: 20,197 lb (9,160 kg)
- Loaded weight: 31,000 lb (14,000 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 34,000 lb (15,000 kg)
- Engines: Twin 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines
- Maximum speed: 322 mph (518 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 230 mph (370 km/h)
- Range: 1,660 mi (2,670 km)
- Ferry range: 2,600 mi (4,200 km)
- Service ceiling 26,300 ft (8,020 m)
Armament: - Four .50-caliber (12.7 mm) Browning M2 machine guns
- Two .30-caliber (7.6 mm) M1919 Browning machine guns
Bombs consisting of one of the following three options: - 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) of bombs
- Six 325 lb (147 kg) depth charges
- Single torpedo
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