B-24 Liberator

Image: USAAF via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

B-24 Liberator

Designation: B-24D

Consolidated Aircraft World War II bomber 1941-1945

Why it matters

The B-24 Liberator was the most-produced American military aircraft in history — over 18,000 built. It fought in every theater of WWII. The famous Ploesti oil refinery raids saw B-24s fly at treetop level into the heart of Nazi Europe's fuel supply. The Davis wing gave it longer range than the B-17, making it essential for Pacific operations. More men flew in B-24s than any other American bomber.

Specifications

Max Speed 290 mph
Range 2,100 miles
Service Ceiling 28,000 ft
Engine 4x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-65 Twin Wasp radials
Power/Thrust 1,200 hp each
Wingspan 110 ft
Length 67 ft 2 in
Crew 10
Production 18,482 built
First Flight 1939-12-29
Service Dates 1941-1945

Armament

  • • 10x .50 cal M2 machine guns
  • • 8,000 lbs bombs

Notable Features

  • Davis wing (high aspect ratio)
  • Most-produced American military aircraft ever
  • Tricycle landing gear
  • Twin tail

Patina notes

B-24s were built for production speed, and the survivors show that industrial urgency. The Davis wing's thin profile created distinctive flex patterns. The tricycle gear was ahead of its time but left evidence in the nose section. Surviving examples often reveal the work of multiple production facilities — Ford, Douglas, and North American all built B-24s alongside Consolidated.

Preservation reality

Only two B-24s remain airworthy — Diamond Lil (technically an LB-30) and Witchcraft. Despite being the most-produced American bomber, the B-24's complex systems and thin-skinned construction made preservation difficult. The aircraft's reputation as harder to fly than the B-17 meant fewer were saved. Every surviving example is irreplaceable.

Where to see one

  • • National Museum of the US Air Force
  • • Pima Air & Space Museum
  • • Commemorative Air Force (Diamond Lil)
  • • Collings Foundation (Witchcraft)

Preservation organizations

  • • Commemorative Air Force
  • • Collings Foundation

Sources