The P-2V operated as a land-based patrol bomber in the 1940s by the U.S. Navy and was the predecessor to the P3. The P-2V is known for its versatility and extended flight range of up to 2,000 miles. The Lockheed Neptune served as a search and reconnaissance patrol plane, its presence heralding the ultimate demise of the traditional flying boat in that role. Powered by two Wright R-3350 engines, the Neptune had a remarkable range and carried various ordnance. The Neptune enjoys the distinction of being the only designed-for-the-purpose, land-based patrol plane to see comprehensive, general Navy service. All others to see general Navy service, including today's P-3s, were derived from other types designed for other purposes. Neptune traces its origins to Lockheed/Vega design studies starting in 1941, when the Navy first acquired land-based patrol aircraft. The first flight of the initial XP2V-1 occurred on 12 May 1945. For the following 17 years, Lockheed's flight line was never without new P2V/P-2 aircraft. Powered by two 2,300-hp Wright R-3350 engines and featuring nose, dorsal, and tail turrets, the XP2V-1 featured clean lines that continued throughout the P2V series, even though the aircraft was to grow all manner of electronic and other bumps, and the armament changed regularly. The P-2s followed the -1s with longer noses and no nose turrets and subsequent -3s with improved engines. Both these models had variants, initiating a practice that continued throughout the P2V/P-2 series, which continued in the P-3s. With the -7, the P2V reached its ultimate design. Westinghouse J-34s in wing pods added needed power, a MAD boom replaced the tail turret, the nose armament was removed, and the pilot's cabin was redesigned. The last of 1,036 Neptunes took place in 1962. The operators phased out the P-2s by the mid-Seventies.