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The Jeeter Bug B-24 Liberator |
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The B-24The B-24 Liberator was producer in greater numbers and flown in more theaters of war by the air forces of more countries than any other four engine bomber in World War II. More than 19,200 (in several versions) were produced by Consolidated Vultee, Ford Motor Company, Douglas Aircraft and North American Aircraft between the years of 1939 and 1945. Today there are only two flight-worthy B-24's in existence, and it's history and role in WWII is only dimly recalled excerpt by those who flew in them. In 1938, the B-24 originated as the result of a request by the Air Corps for Consolidated Aircraft to produce B-17's but an engineer at Consolidated designed a wing suited for long-range bombers instead. It provided a wing that offered 15 percent less drag than ordinary wings. So, Consolidated engineers sketched out a rough version of a bomber using this new wing design. It would be a four-engine, high-wing, tricycle landing gear, dual bomb bar aircraft. More B-24's were built that any other American airplane. It edges out the B-17 on most performance criteria such speed, range and bombload. With it's great range, it performed anti-sub work in the Atlantic and heavy bomber support in the Pacific. Other Links |
