Operated by 12S. Photographer: Jean-Pierre CALKA

This was one of a batch of 10 Neptunes supplied to the Aeronavale in 1959, serving 23F and 25F till transferred to 12S in Tahiti in 1983. Stored at Papeete from 1984, it was acquired by HARS and ferried to Australia in July 1999 under registration N8187Z, being allocated VH-LRR after arrival. After some airshow appearances, in September 1999 it flew from Tamworth to Bankstown and next in January 2003 to the then-new HARS base at the Illawarra Regional Airport where overhaul work continues pending return to airworthiness alongside P2V-7 A87-273 (which is once again flying).

French Navy SP-2H Neptune 556 receiving some TLC at the HARS museum. This airframe was to be burned, however was saved by HARS and restored to flying condition. This may be the most complete Neptune still to exist as its interior remains completely intact.

This ex French Marine Lockheed Neptune was recovered from a swamp and brought back to HARS for restoration and preservation.

I was just a few minutes late as this Neptune did a few engine and taxi runs…

This Neptune had been dumped on the Tahiti Intl airport fire dump by the French navy by 1986. Fortunately, the aircraft was rescued there and brought to Australia for restoration.

Built as a P2V-7, USN Bu 147566, but delivered new to the French Aeronavale in June 1959. Recovered from the fire dump at Tahiti/Faa'a and flown to Australia in June 1989 as N8187Z. Re-registered VH-LRR on 11 October 1991. Under restoration to be operated by HARS. RAAF Neptune A89-281 in the background.

Ex French Navy and registered N8187Z for the ferry flight from Tahiti to the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society in Australia. Became VH-LRR in 1991 and operated in French Navy markings.