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.
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator of the 15th Air Force releases its bombs over Muhldorf, Germany on March 19, 1945.

 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);
max Takeoff: 71,200 lbs (32,296 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

 

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: 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.
Ground crew of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Galloping Katie II.
Image Description: Ground crew of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Galloping Katie II.