Consolidated B-24M Liberator | |
|---|---|
| Pays | USA |
| Type | Bombardier |
Galerie photo sur un Consolidated B-24M Liberator
Le Consolidated B-24 Liberator est un bombardier lourd américain. Il est construit à plus de 18 000 exemplaires soit plus qu’aucun autre appareil américain au cours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
| Consolidated B-24M Liberator – WalkAround | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 70 |
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The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American four-engine heavy bomber, and it was the most-produced American military aircraft of World War II, with over 18,000 units built. The B-24M was one of the final production variants, primarily differentiated by a lighter, simplified tail turret designed for ease of production.
Key Specifications (Typical B-24 Liberator)
| Feature | Detail (B-24J/M Variant) |
|---|---|
| Role | Heavy Bomber / Anti-Submarine Warfare |
| Manufacturer | Consolidated, Ford (Willow Run), Douglas, North American |
| Crew | 10 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator, Bombardier, Engineer/Top Gunner, Radio Operator, Waist Gunners & Tail Gunner) |
| Wingspan | 110 feet (33.5 m) – Known for the high-aspect ratio Davis wing |
| Powerplant | 4 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engines, ~1,200 hp each |
| Maximum Speed | Approx. 483 km/h (300 mph) |
| Defensive Armament | 10 to 11 × 0.50 caliber (12.7 mm) Browning machine guns in various powered turrets |
| Maximum Bomb Load | Up to 3,628 kg (8,000 lb) for short-range missions |
Notable Features and Service
The Liberator was valued for its long range and large bomb capacity, making it indispensable in theaters of war with vast distances, particularly the Pacific and the anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic. Key aspects of its design included:
- Davis Wing: Its distinctive, high-mounted, long, narrow wing gave it better high-altitude performance and range compared to the B-17.
- Bomb Bay Doors: It featured unique « roll-top » doors that retracted into the fuselage, saving space and reducing drag when open.
- Global Service: It flew with all major Allied air forces, including the USAAF, RAF (where it was also used in Coastal Command), RAAF, and others.
Note on Production: The manufacturing effort by companies like Ford, particularly at the Willow Run facility, was legendary. Ford alone produced over 8,600 Liberators.
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