Consolidated PB4Y-2 "Privateer"

The U.S. Navy made heavy use of their USAAF Service configured B-24D-derived PB4Y-1 Liberators from August 1942 onwards in the Pacific and over the Atlantic. In early 1943, the Navy placed a contract for an aircraft based on the original B-24D Liberator design with enhancements for their use as a dedicated naval long-range patrol bomber. Three B-24Ds were taken off the San Diego production line and modified with a lengthened fuselage (by 7 feet), navalized interiors, greater defensive armament, modified engine cowlings, and a distinctive vertical tail similar to that fitted to the final Liberator transport variant.

The Navy ordered 739 aircraft in a single production run, with 286 delivered in 1944 and the remainder in 1945. Few had reached the front lines by VJ-Day, although VP-24 did achieve operational status with the Bat anti-cruise missile in the weeks prior to Japan's surrender. The Privateer went on to perform its best work during the Cold War era as a radar and electronic countermeasures platform. It was re-designated as the P4Y in 1951. After service with the U.S. Coast Guard, the final units were retired in the early 1960s.

First Flight Date: 20 September 1943
Powerplants: Four Pratt & Whitney 1350-hp R-1830-94 Twin Wasp engines
Max Speed: 237 mph
Range: 2,800 miles
Weight: Empty 37,485 lbs; Max (Take-off) 65,000 lbs
Dimensions

• Wingspan: 110 ft  0 inches

• Height: 30 ft  1 inch

• Length: 74 ft  7 in
  

Additional References: Jane's Historic Military Aircraft.

Photos by George Villasenor, an Aleutian WWII Combat Photographer working out of Attu. Circa 1945.

For more "Privateer" photos, click HERE.