B-24 Liberator
The B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber used in World War II by several Allied air forces and by all branches of the American armed forces. The B-24 was designed to carry more bombs and fly farther than other bombers and it featured a mid-mounted, high-lift Davis wing that achieved less drag than conventional airfoils of the time. B-24 Liberators served in a variety of roles in all major theaters of the war. By the end of the war, at over 18,000 units, the B-24 was the most produced US aircraft of World War II.
Image Description: A Consolidated B-24 Liberator of the 15th Air Force releases its bombs over Muhldorf, Germany on March 19, 1945.
FACTS & STATS:
| First Flown | 1939 |
| Range | 2,100 miles (3,380 km) |
| Length | 67 ft 2 in (20.47 m) |
| Engine | Four 1,200-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1830 turbo supercharged radial engines |
| Wingspan | 110 ft (33.5 m) |
| Max Speed | 290 mph (467 kph) |
| Ceiling | 28,000 ft (8,534 m) |
| Weight |
Empty: 36,500 lbs (16,590 kgs); |
|
Number Built
|
Over 18,000 |
| Armament |
Ten .50 cal. M2 Browning machine guns in four turrets and two waist positions, plus up to 8,800 lbs (3,992 kg) in bombs |
Image Description: A crew member examines the wing of a Consolidated B-24 Liberator which was damaged during a pre-invasion raid over Iwo Jima during World War II.
Image Description: Ground crew of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Galloping Katie II.