The B-24 "Liberator" Bomber

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War. It was not only used as a long-range strategic bomber but also for maritime and photographic reconnaissance, antisubmarine, passenger freight transportation, and flying tanker purposes. B-24 Liberator

Built by five different manufacturers (Consolidated Aircraft Corporation of San Diego; Consolidated Aircraft Corporation of Fort Worth; Douglas Aircraft Corporation of Tulsa, Oklahoma; North American Aviation of Dallas, Texas; and the Ford Motor Company of Willow Run, Michigan), it was produced in greater numbers than any other U.S aircraft: more than 18,000 of them were built between June of 1941 and May 1945.

Specifications

Length

63' 9" XB-24 through XB-24B; 66' 4" B-24C through XB24F; 67' 2" B-24G-XB-24Q

Height

19' XB-24 through B-24C; 17' 11" B-24D through XB-24Q

Wingspan

110' on all models

Wing Area

1,048 sq ft on all models

Gross Weight

Variable from 46,600 lbs for XB-24 to 65,000 lbs on XB-24N

Propulsion

Number of Engines

4

Powerplant

Variations on Pratt & Whitney R-1830, all rated at 1,200 h.p.

Performance

Range

2,000 - 3,000 on all models

Cruise Speed

215 mph

Max Speed

273 mph for XB-24; 313 mph for B-24C; between 290 mph and 310 mph for all subsequent models

Ceiling

Variable from 30,000 ft+









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