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
Additional References: Jane's Historic Military
Aircraft.
Photos by George Villasenor, an Aleutian WWII Combat Photographer
working out of Attu. Circa 1945.
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