3: Lockheed Ventura
Developed from the Lockheed Lodestar passenger aircraft, the Ventura was initially proposed to the RAF as a light bomber and patrol aircraft replacement for the Lockheed Hudson. Faster than the earlier aircraft and able to carry 3000lb (1364kg) of ordnance, the first order was placed in early 1940 with deliveries beginning two years later.
Due to heavy losses on daylight raids it was soon relegated to use by Coastal Command. This could have been the end for the Ventura; however, when the USAAF ended its objection to the US Navy operating land-based bombers, an aircraft was urgently needed. Consequently, the PV-1 model was developed with extra fuel and a nose mounted search radar.
