Consolidated
B-24
Liberator
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Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Dayton, Ohio


Photo: Robert Deering 1972
Greater Southwest International Airport (GSW)
Fort Worth, Texas
The B-24 was employed in operations in every combat theater during World War II. Because of its great range, it was particularly suited for such missions as the famous raid from North Africa against the oil industry at Ploesti, Rumania, on Aug. 1, 1943. This feature also made the airplane suitable for long over-water missions in the Pacific Theater. More than 18,000 Liberators were produced.

The B-24D on display (at the Air Force Museum) flew combat missions from North Africa in 1943-1944 with the 512th Bomb Squadron. It was flown to the museum in May 1959. It is the same type airplane as the "Lady Be Good" -- the world-famous B-24D that disappeared on a mission from North Africa in April 1943 and was found in the Libyan Desert in May 1959.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:  110 ft. Maximum speed:  303 mph
Length:   66 ft. 4 in. Cruising speed:  175 mph
Height:  17 ft. 11 in. Range:  2,850 miles
Empty Weight:  Service ceiling:  28,000 ft.
Gross Weight:  56,000 lbs. loaded  
Crew: 
Engines:  Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830s of 1,200 hp each
Armament:  10 .50-cal. machine guns and 8,000 lbs. of bombs
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force  

Photo: Robert Deering 1981
Valley International Airport (HRL)

Harlingen, Texas
VARIANTS:
 
PB4Y
Privateer