The B-24 Liberator was a more modern design than the B-17, with higher top speed and greater range but similar bomb load. However, it was notorious for its tendency to catch fire due to fuel tank placement. Over 18,000 Liberators were produced — the most of any heavy bomber.
The B-24 was employed in every combat theater and was particularly suited for long-range missions such as the famous raid against the oil industry at Ploesti, Romania (August 1, 1943).
Specifications
B-24 Technical Data
Span110 ft
Length66 ft 4 in
Weight56,000 lbs loaded
Armament10 × .50-cal MGs, 8,000 lb bombs
Engines4 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830, 1,200 hp each
Max Speed303 mph
Range3,200 miles
Ceiling28,000 ft
Major Variants
- B-24A — First production model
- B-24D — First mass-produced model (2,696 built)
- B-24H — Nose turret added (3,100 built)
- B-24J — Most produced variant