B34 HARPOON
The early success of the Lockheed Hudson resulted in the
development of a more advanced design for the British, to be named
the B-34. These first entered service in October 1942. Later
designated the Ventura I, the new aircraft differed from the Hudson
in having a wider and deeper fuselage with a length increase of
16%, more powerful engines, the introduction of a proper ventral
gun position, and a larger bomb bay. As aircraft were transferred
between the Lend-Lease program, the USAAF, and the U.S. Navy,
designations went from B-34 to R-37 to B-37 to PV-3. The Navy
received its first quantities in December 1942 as the PV-1
(Ventura). In June 1943 the Navy ordered a new version under the
designation PV-2 and with the name Harpoon. This version had the
wingspan increased by 9 feet, increased fuel capacity, greater fin
and rudder area, and improved armament (five .50 cal forward firing
machine guns in the nose, two 50 cal machine guns in both dorsal
turret and ventral position, and up to four 1000 lb. bombs
internally with two 1000 lb. bombs externally). The PV-2 served
primarily in the Pacific theater, and was well-used until the end
of the war.
This is part of a
series of 23 caches dedicated to the American Aircraft of
WWII. Each cache is
dedicated to a particular aircraft model and can be logged as an
individual find. The
series consists of 16 regular caches and 7 mystery
caches. The series will
be divided into 5 sub-series, one for each category of aircraft
(
Fighters,
Bombers,
Seaplanes, and
X-series Prototypes) and a final series consisting of three of
the most recognizable aircraft of WWII. (
P51 Mustang,
B17 Flying Fortress and
B29 Super Fortress).
This cache is part of the BOMBERS sub-series.
The log contains a code used to find the final of this
sub-series:
American WWII Aircraft-BOMBERS (GC1D2JA).
BOMBERS = N40 50.B24/B25
W074
33.
B26/B34
This cache is located along a portion of the Randolph
Trails. These
trails are well maintained and easy to walk. There is parking for this cache
located at N40 50.283 W074
34.235.
Trail
maps are readily available at most of the trail
heads.
Randolph’s trail system runs a 16-mile course
traversing five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir Watershed
and 2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link
together schools with neighborhoods and connect to Patriots’
Path at Combs Hollow and Old Brookside. Randolph’s trails should be
viewed as a work in progress as the township continues to
pursue easements and funding to expand our trail network. The
township funds 90% of design and construction costs through
state grants and developer contributions. Over $1.5 million
in state grants and developer contributions has been invested
in Randolph’s trails. Open year round, the trails
can be used from dawn to dusk and are closed at night. During
the winter months, there is no snow or ice removal, providing
a wonderful opportunity for cross-country skiers and snowshoe
enthusiasts.