During WWII the RNZAF used some of their PV-1 Ventura bomber force in the Pacific for the occassional mission where they were used as fighters. They would fly out in formations of around six aircraft without bombloads and give fighter cover during attacks by other bombers. Their mission was to engage enemy fighters that came up from the ground with all their guns.
I don’t believe they actually destroyed any aircraft on these missions, but it’s a really interesting use of a medium bomber with five crew. I wondered if other Air Forces used the Ventura in the same way? RAAF? USN? RAF?
By: Dave Homewood - 13th March 2006 at 19:58
Yes I was aware that the Ventura was rated poorly by crews in Europe. The book Ventura Couragious about Len Trent spells out how much disappointment there was when 487 Sqn RNZAF were given them instead of the Bostons they hoped for, and how poorly they performed. But they were earlier models than those used by the RNZAF in the Pacific, and after some teething troubles with training over use of fuel tanks, they proved to perform very well. And they were suited to multiple roles, hence the use as a fighter.
As tbyguy says, the Ventura and the PV-2 Harpoon are two different airc4aft. The RNZAF was to re-equip it’s bomber reconnaissance fleet with the PV-2 but as the war was ending the orders were cancelled after the arrival of the first four.
Thanks for that link tbyguy
By: tbyguy - 13th March 2006 at 14:52
When “Ventura” and “fighter” are mentioned in the same sentence, I think of the first nightfighter outfit employed by the USMC, VMF(N)-531. For those interested you’ll find some information on operations and victories in the Solomons here:
http://home.inreach.com/trinity/VMFA-531%20History.html
The PV-2 “Harpoon” is a completely redesigned aircraft from the Ventura.
By: colin.barron - 13th March 2006 at 12:57
During WWII the RNZAF used some of their PV-1 Ventura bomber force in the Pacific for the occassional mission where they were used as fighters. They would fly out in formations of around six aircraft without bombloads and give fighter cover during attacks by other bombers. Their mission was to engage enemy fighters that came up from the ground with all their guns.
I don’t believe they actually destroyed any aircraft on these missions, but it’s a really interesting use of a medium bomber with five crew. I wondered if other Air Forces used the Ventura in the same way? RAAF? USN? RAF?
Despite their 300mph + top speed and heavy armament the Ventura was not a success in the European theatre with the RAF. After heavy losses they were withdrawn from operations.
They were more successful when used by Coastal Command. The US Navy operated them with six forward firing guns and I know some of them (called Harpoons I think) shot down some Japanese fighters.
Colin
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March 13, 2006 at 8:47 am