The Harpoon: Understanding the Space and Time of a Valuable Indiana Resource American Military Heritage Foundation photo Indianapolis Mt. Comfort Air Show “Hot Stuff”

Brief History of the PV-2 Harpoon The Harpoon traces its legacy back to the Lockheed 14 Super Electra (Model 14), a passenger transport (airliner) designed and built for Northwest Airlines in Lockheed experimented with a bomber version of the airliner. With war clouds building in Europe, the British began looking across the “pond” for aircraft that might meet their military requirements. Changes to the Model 14 would allow the optimum use of the aircraft for maritime reconnaissance – long range anti-submarine patrol with medium bomber capabilities. The redesign turned out to be so major that it was assigned a new model number, Model 15. All of the PV-2 Harpoons (as its predecessor PV-1 Ventura and other aircraft) were built by Lockheed’s subsidiary, Vega Corporation in Burbank, California. The aircraft was refined and tested until it was ready for the U.S. Navy when they ordered 500 PV-2 Harpoons in The first Harpoon took off on its maiden flight on December 3, Most Harpoons flew in the Pacific (North and Central) campaigns during World War II. A relative few flew in the Caribbean and in the Atlantic – mostly searching for unwanted submarines. In 1990, a group of pilots who had formed the nucleus of the American Military Heritage Foundation (AMHF) purchased a PV-2 from its owner in Tyler, Texas where the aircraft had been partially restored. It was ferried to Mount Comfort Airport in Hancock County, Indiana. THANKS to the efforts of individuals such as Penny and Joe Litz, Jenny, Paula, Gus, Glen, Scott and MANY more devoting their time, interest, talents, and funds to maintain and fly the aircraft, it was ready for WW II commemorative air shows a short twelve months later! This particular PV-2 (N2697C) is the only one of its type still flying in military configuration! (

The PV-2 Harpoon, “Hot Stuff”, on display at the 2007 Indianapolis Air Show at Mount Comfort Airport, Hancock County. The Harpoon receives tens of thousands of visitors each air show season.

A parent/chaperone discussing the PV-2 Harpoon “Hot Stuff” with Navigator Paula. The day was exceptionally cold, but the student and parent and teacher visitors had a great experience. Fall, 2007.

The “Hot Stuff” Harpoon covered due to the poor weather.

Students standing near the tail of the Harpoon “Hot Stuff”. Fall, 2007

Looking into the cockpit with Captain Joe Litz (left) with a student co-pilot. The aircraft was covered due to the poor weather during our visit. Fall, 2007.

Master Mechanic, Jenny, discussing the challenges and rewards of resurrecting and maintaining a historic resource. Gus was off to the far right answering questions from other visitors. Many individuals donate their time, energy, and expertise in order to enable the PV-2 Harpoon, “Hot Stuff” come alive!

Howard Hassett sitting in the cockpit of the PV-2 Harpoon, “Hot Stuff” at the Mount Comfort Air Show. Mr. Hassett was a co-pilot in a PV-1 aircraft that was downed in Ormoc Bay during World War II. The airplane has since been discovered by a scuba diver/explorer. Read about Mr. Hassett’s story by visiting

PV-2 Harpoon “Hot Stuff” with crewmen from the U.S.S. Indianapolis (CA-35). Read more about the U.S.S. Indianapolis at or visit the U.S.S. Indianapolis Museum.

THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who help to maintain artifacts from human history!! Help to do the same in your community. Penny, Joe, Paula, Jenny, Gus, Glen, Scott and MANY, MANY more! Some professionals, some hobbyists, all dedicated. If you are interested, you are needed. No skills required Contact by telephone at or