B-24 Liberator

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was produced in greater numbers than any other American combat aircraft, and was used by most of the Allied air forces in World War II. Designed as a heavy bomber, it served with distinction not only in that role, but also as a maritime patrol bomber (known as the PB4Y in U.S. Navy service) and as a heavy transport (where it was designated C-87 or C-109).

Specifications (B-24J)

General characteristics

• Crew: 7-10
• Length: 67 ft 8 in (20.6 m)
• Wingspan: 110 ft 0 in (33.5 m)
• Height: 18 ft 0 in (5.5 m)
• Wing area: 1,048 ft² (97.4 m²)
• Empty: 52,200 lb (23,700 kg)
• Loaded: 55,000 lb (25,000 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: 65,000 lb (29,500 kg)
• Powerplant: 4× Pratt & Whitney R-1830 turbo-supercharged radials, 1,200 hp (900 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 290 mph (470 km/h)
• Cruising speed: 215 mph (346 km/h)
• Range: 2,100 miles (3,400 km)
• Ferry range: 3,700 miles (6,000 km)
• Service ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,500 m)
• Rate of climb: 1,025 ft/min (312 m/min)
• Wing loading: 52.5 lb/ft² (256 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: .0873 hp/lb 144 W/kg

Armament

• 10× .50 calibre (12.7 mm) M2 machine guns
• 12,800 lb (5,800 kg) of bombs