Ventura/Harpoon question

[hairy]

Since there are soo many PV-1/2 fans here, I have another question/teaser.
In Christopher Robbins book 'Air America' there is a picture of a PV-2 used by the Contras taken in Honduras in 1985, it is also mentioned in the text (not very flattering). The PV-2 in question has Four bladed, square tipped props, any info? Also does this make the PV-2 the last WWII a/c to serve in a front line combat role?

I am away from my records now but my understanding is that this was a Howard 500. If memory serves me correctly, it was likely an airframe that came from the SAAF Ventura sale many years ago by D.U. Howard. Will look into this once I get back to the hangar.

Tony Jarvis

Sorry its taken awhile to reply I have been away with work commitments, but I would really appreciate more info on this a/c, and one further question does it still exist?

[hercrat]

Finally back at the hangar here in Edmonton and next to our records.
Here is the information we have on file:

- Lockheed PV-1 S/N 5854, BuNo34964
- To RAF as FP681
- To SAAF as 6454
- One of 21 aircraft purchased by Howard Aero at $1,255.50 each Dec.09, 1960. TT on airframe 573:30hrs.
- Converted to Howard 500 (500-112)
- Carried the following registrations in order N111M, N686M, N8020, N25YC and N65PC
- Bill of sale to Juan P. Media of Caracas, Venezuela June 10, 1981 but probably not registered in that country.
- Reported to probably be the camouflaged Howard 500 operated by the CIA/Contras in Nicaragua in 1984.
- USCAR still lists this aircraft as a Ventura (incorrect) and still belonging to Overseas Investment Lease Corp. of Miami as of 1995. Status is unknown with no reported sightings to date.

Hope this helps you in your research. Let us know if you find out anything more!

Tony Jarvis