Boeing B-24 Liberator history

In 1939, while the Boeing B-17 bomber entered into service in the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. military wanted to enhance and strengthen their fleet of strategic bombers. In late December 1939, the first prototype, called B-24 was presented to the U.S. military.

The characteristics of the prototype were very good according to the military observers. The military decided to launch the production on a large scale. The first deliveries were made in March 1941 and in August 1942, the production amounted to nearly 200 new aircrafts per month. No fewer than 15 versions were developed, including anti-submarines, cargo transport and maritime patrol B-24.

Deployed on most fronts in World War II, the B-24 bomber nicknamed "Liberator" has participated in most of the major air raids of the conflict, taking part in the bombing of the Battle of Normandy. 18,188 bombers were built during all this global conflict. Heavily armed, about 2,600 enemy planes were shot down during the many operations.

Boeing B-24 Liberator sheet

Country creator/user: USA
Name: Boeing B-24 J Liberator

Length: 20,47 m
Wingspan: 33,52 m
Height: 5,48 m
Curb weight : 17,237 kg
Maximum speed: 483 km/h
Range: 3,380 kilometers
Ceiling: 8500 m

Armament: ten 12,7 mm Browning machine guns

Transport : 5,800 kg of bombs

Crew: 10 (a pilot and a co-pilot, a bomber, a navigator, an engineer, a radio operator and four gunners)

Engine: four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-65 of 1,200 hp each

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