Consolidated B-24 Liberator: Relentless American Bomber

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress remains arguably the most famous American bomber of the Second World War, and for good reason. It was the workhorse of the U.S. Army Air Force’s daylight bombing campaign against Nazi Germany, and that role solidified its place in history. Yet, even some aviation buffs may be surprised to know that the Flying Fortress wasn’t the most produced U.S. bomber, as that distinction goes to the Consolidated B-24 Liberator.

Workers assemble B-24 Liberator bombers on a massive wartime production line at the Fort Worth assembly plant. The line on the left is assembling U.S. Navy PB4Y-1 Liberators. Image: U.S. Air Force

More than 18,400 were built, surpassing all other bombers in wartime production.

The Consolidated B-24 not only has the distinction of being the most produced American aircraft in history, but it was also built in more versions with more purposes than any other aircraft during the war. It went on to serve on every front during World War II, and with every Allied nation. In terms of industrial effort, the production of the B-24 also transcended anything seen previously.

A dramatic wartime photograph shows a Consolidated B-24 Liberator of the U.S. 15th Air Force releasing bombs over the railyards at Muhldorf, Germany, on March 19, 1945. The aircraft flies at high altitude, and multiple bombs can be seen dropping toward the ground in a staggered formation. Below, the rail facilities and surrounding terrain are visible, marking the importance of the target to German logistics and supply. The photo captures the destructive power of heavy bombers in daylight precision raids late in the war. By this time, B-24s were essential to crippling transportation routes across the Third Reich. The image highlights the scale of Allied bombing efforts in the European theater. It underscores how airpower was used to weaken Germany’s war infrastructure in the final months of conflict. — A consolidated B-24 Liberator of the 15th A.F. releases its bombs on the railyards at Muhldorf, Germany on 19 March 1945. Image: NARA

By all accounts, it should have been a monumental leap forward in aircraft design, yet it was not.

Conceived five years after the B-17, the B-24 Liberator arguably didn’t improve on the former bomber’s capabilities in several key areas. In terms of engine performance and general stability, it was inferior. It was described as being a “handful” for the average pilot to handle, while it was also the most complicated and expensive combat aircraft when it was introduced.

A U.S. Army Air Forces Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber is captured mid-takeoff from an airfield on Eniwetok Island, Marshall Islands, on April 13, 1944. In the foreground, U.S. Navy Seabees are seen spreading crushed coral to widen and reinforce the runway surface. The freshly cleared island base shows other parked B-24 bombers in the distance, waiting for their own missions. The Seabees’ efforts highlight the critical engineering work that allowed heavy bombers to operate from remote Pacific atolls. This construction enabled long-range strikes deep into Japanese-held territory. The image combines both combat aviation and the behind-the-scenes labor that sustained it. It demonstrates how logistics and engineering supported the air war in the Pacific Theater. — A U.S. Army Air Force B-24 bomber takes off from Eniwetok Island in April 1944. Navy Seabees work to spread coral to widen the runway. Image: U.S. Navy

The design was unique, and the B-24 featured a layout that was largely dedicated to its Davis wing, which was placed above the tail bomb bays. The Liberator was efficient in cruising flight, which, combined with its excellent fuel capacity, gave it more extended range than any land-based aircraft of its day.

A U.S. Army Air Forces Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber is shown releasing bombs over Orly Airport outside Paris in May 1944. Multiple bombs are captured mid-fall from the aircraft’s open bomb bay doors. Below, the airfield runways, hangars, and surrounding landscape are faintly visible as the target area. This mission was part of the pre-invasion bombing campaign that aimed to neutralize Luftwaffe airfields in occupied France. The B-24, with its heavy payload and long range, was ideally suited for these strikes. The image demonstrates how Allied bombers sought to weaken German defenses in advance of Operation Overlord. It provides a rare combat view of a Liberator in the act of bombing a strategic target. — A B-24 Liberator releases bombs over Orly Airport near Paris in May 1944. Strategic strikes like this targeted German-controlled airfields ahead of the Normandy invasion. Image: NARA

Still, the fact remains that the B-24 is often compared unfavorably with the Flying Fortress, and it hasn’t garnered the glory even as it proved invaluable in its numerous roles from heavy bomber to maritime patrol aircraft. At best, the B-24 wasn’t fully developed when the war broke out and was obsolete by the time it ended, but it served in multiple roles when and where it was needed most.

Development of the B-24

When the United States entered the Second World War following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the U.S. Army Air Forces had a mix of bombers in service, including the Marin B-10, the Douglas B-18 Bolo, and notably fewer than 200 B-17s. Production of the Flying Fortress ramped up, but the U.S. War Department was also moving forward with another bomber, the B-24 Liberator.

A Consolidated B-24 Liberator converted into a transport aircraft, photographed around 1942. The bomber’s armament has been reduced, and its interior modified to carry cargo, equipment, or personnel instead of bombs. On the fuselage, a prominent U.S. flag is painted for identification, a practice often used on aircraft operating outside standard combat zones. The aircraft still retains its distinctive Davis wing and twin-tail design. This conversion illustrates the versatility of the Liberator, which was adapted for multiple roles during the war beyond strategic bombing. Many B-24s were temporarily modified to serve as transports when demand for logistical support outweighed bombing missions. The photo captures the adaptability of one of America’s most produced wartime aircraft. — A Consolidated B-24 Liberator converted for transport duties in 1942. A U.S. flag is painted on the fuselage for identification. Such conversions kept pace with urgent wartime needs. Image: U.S. Navy

Interestingly, it was the result of an aircraft maker not opting to build the B-17 when offered the chance.

In late 1938, with the clouds of war on the horizon, the U.S. Army Air Corps had reached out to Consolidated Aircraft to produce the B-17 under license. The company’s founder, Reuben Fleet, and design engineer I. M. “Mac” Laddon, were even given a tour of Boeing’s factory in Seattle, Washington. However, then in January 1939, Fleet presented a counteroffer. Consolidated would produce an aircraft that could strike further, drop more munitions, and survive more punishment than the B-17.

The USAAC liked what it heard, so much so that the company was issued Type Specification C-212, which meant that no other company stood a chance to produce an alternative aircraft. Following a period of frenetic work, Consolidated Aircraft introduced its Model 32, with the Army soon calling for a prototype to be built as the XB-24, which could be flown by the end of 1941.

The most notable aspect of the Liberator’s design was its “fluid foil” wing patented by David R. Davis. It has been suggested that without that unique wing, the B-24 couldn’t have gotten off the ground, literally. Many of the aircraft’s virtues, as well as its faults, could be traced directly to the Davis Wing. It gave the B-24 the load-carrying capacity that exceeded other bombers of its size, and helped make the bomber faster and with a longer range. Yet, it also made the Liberator less maneuverable.

A Consolidated B-24H Liberator bomber is shown landing at RAF Woodbridge airfield in Norfolk, England, with drag parachutes deployed behind the aircraft. The parachutes billow open, helping slow the heavy four-engine bomber as it touches down on the long runway. RAF Woodbridge, constructed during World War II, was specifically designed as an emergency landing field for damaged Allied bombers returning from missions over Europe. The photo captures the size and bulk of the Liberator as well as the challenges of safely landing after long combat sorties. The deployed parachutes reduced strain on the brakes and shortened landing distance. This image highlights the engineering measures used to handle the heavy, high-speed landings of wartime bombers. It also illustrates the importance of specialized airfields like Woodbridge to the survival of many bomber crews. — A Consolidated B-24H Liberator lands at RAF Woodbridge with drag parachutes deployed. The parachutes were used for braking if the hydraulic system was shot out in combat. Image: NARA

It also resulted in an iconic-looking aircraft, but not one that has been noted for its beauty. It was jokingly called a “Flying Boxcar” while some even suggested it was “the packing box the B-17 came in.”

Despite an external appearance that suggested a roomy interior, it was often cramped, and at altitude, it was also cold as it didn’t feature a pressurized cabin. Even in the Pacific, bomber crews faced bone-chilling temperatures during the long haul missions and bundled up in leather and sheepskin jackets and trousers.

A formation of U.S. Army Air Forces Consolidated B-24D Liberators is shown in flight during a bombing mission in World War II. The heavy bombers fly wingtip to wingtip in staggered formation, their four engines creating contrails across the sky. Formation flying allowed the aircraft to provide overlapping fields of defensive fire from their multiple gun turrets, increasing their chance of survival against enemy fighters. The B-24D, one of the early mass-produced variants, was widely used in both the European and Pacific theaters. The photograph conveys the scale of American strategic bombing, with dozens of aircraft operating together on long-range raids. The image highlights both the power and vulnerability of daylight bombing missions. It reflects the massive air armadas that characterized the Allied campaign against Axis targets. — A group of B-24D Liberators fly in tight formation during a bombing mission in World War II. Flying together increased defensive firepower against enemy fighters. Image: NARA

One interesting fact about the aircraft is that while Consolidated was initially approached to build the B-17, during the war, Liberators were produced not only by Consolidated, but also by Douglas, Ford, and North American. Fleet’s pitch should be seen as one for the record books.

In Service with the Mighty Eighth

Although the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the mainstay and workhorse of the famed Eighth Air Force in Europe, the B-24 Liberator proved to be a crucial part of its bombing operations.

A formation of Consolidated B-24D Liberator bombers flies low over the Mediterranean Sea in August 1943. The heavy bombers maintain tight formation just above the water’s surface, a tactic used to avoid radar detection and improve bombing accuracy. Reflections of the aircraft are visible on the sea below, emphasizing their dangerously low altitude. Missions like these were part of the Mediterranean campaign against Axis airfields, supply depots, and oil facilities. Low-level flight increased vulnerability to anti-aircraft fire and mechanical failure but was seen as necessary for certain strategic targets. The B-24D’s long range made such missions possible, striking targets across southern Europe. This photograph captures the intensity and risk of Allied low-level bombing operations in World War II. — B-24D Liberators skim low over the Mediterranean Sea during a mission in August 1943. Image: NARA

General Ira Eaker, who headed up the U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber Command, championed the use of daylight precision bombing, even as the British Royal Air Force favored night bombing. Eaker argued that the bombers, with their advanced technology, would effectively target specific military and industrial sites during daylight hours, minimizing civilian casualties. Moreover, he initially supported the idea that large bombers like the B-24 could fight their way to a target without help from escorts.

The first bomber missions that hit German-occupied Europe carried out the raids with little or no fighter support. The RAF had already seen that its Lancaster and Halifax bombers were well-armed, but fighters were necessary. Moreover, the RAF supported nighttime bombing.

A formation of Consolidated B-24 Liberators flies toward the Hungarian city of Szolnok in 1944 during World War II. The heavy bombers are shown at high altitude in tight formation, their contrails streaking across the sky. The mission targeted rail yards and industrial facilities, key nodes in the German supply network across Eastern Europe. Such raids were part of the broader Allied effort to weaken Axis transportation and logistics in preparation for advancing ground forces. The Liberators, with their long range and large payload, were suited to reach deep into enemy territory from bases in Italy. The photograph highlights both the size of the bomber streams and the coordinated nature of strategic air campaigns. It represents the increasing pressure on Axis infrastructure in the later years of the war. — A formation of B-24 Liberators heads toward Szolnok, Hungary, in 1944. These raids targeted Axis rail hubs and industrial facilities in Eastern Europe. Image: NARA

The Liberator’s baptism of fire came on October 9, 1942, when the 93rd Bomb Group — known as “Ted’s Traveling Circus” and so named for command Colonel Edward “Ted” Timberlake, Jr. — carried out an assault on the French city of Lille. A total of 24 B-24Ds flew with 84 B-17s to the targets. Timberlake was notably at the controls of “Teggie Ann,” B-24D-5-CO Liberator 41-23754.

During the flight, Sgt. Arthur Crandall, a gunner of the 93rd BG, shot down a German Fw 190 from the “Ball of Fiare,” Liberator (41-23667), piloted by Captain Joseph Tate. It was the first aerial victory for a B-24 Liberator serving in the Eighth Air Force in Europe. More importantly, the mission was seen as a significant step in the American air war effort in Europe and demonstrated the capabilities of the B-17s and B-24s. The sortie was also a learning experience, with four aircraft, including three B-17s and one B-24, shot down.

The “Flying Eight Balls” arrived in England in November 1942, and soon after was sortied in its first mission, which was to create a diversion for an attack carried out elsewhere by the B-17. However, the unit soon got in on the action, and by war’s end took part in 343 missions in which it dropped more tons of bombs (18,980 in total) than any other Liberator group save the 93rd. The group claimed 330 Luftwaffe fighters destroyed, but also lost 192 B-24s in the course of the war.

The 93rd BG, the 44th “Eight Balls”, and the 389th “Sky Scorpions” infamously carried out one of the most daring bombing missions of the war in Europe. The heavy bomber groups conducted a dangerous, daytime, low-level raid on the German-held oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania. Around 179 Liberators were chosen as the B-24 could carry a greater bomb load than the B-17, while flying faster and with a greater range. The aircraft formed the “Tidal Wave” — the name for the operation — which saw the aircraft take off not from England, but from Benghazi in Libya.

A Consolidated B-24J-195-CO Liberator, serial number 44-41064, nicknamed “V Grand,” is shown after completion at the San Diego plant. This aircraft was the 5000th B-24 produced at the facility, marking a major milestone in American wartime production. The fuselage features celebratory markings to commemorate the achievement. Despite its symbolic status, the bomber was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces and entered combat service with the Fifteenth Air Force in the Mediterranean. The B-24J variant was among the most numerous and featured standardized nose turrets and improved systems. “V Grand” represented both industrial might on the home front and operational contribution on the battlefield. The image reflects the scale of U.S. aircraft production during World War II. — The Consolidated B-24J “V Grand” was the 5,000th Liberator built. It later served with the 15th Air Force in the Mediterranean theater. Image: U.S. Air Force

One of the bombers crashed on take-off in the dust-strewn desert, and another, which happened to be the original lead aircraft, was forced to jettison its bombs early after being attacked by a German Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109. In addition, no fewer than 10 B-24s had to abort and return to base due to their engines becoming fouled by the North African sand.

Yet, despite the hardships and even navigation errors that led to some confusion on the approach to the target, the bombers reached Ploesti. However, over the target, some refineries were attacked by too many Liberators and others by too few. It was a costly mission, with 53 B-24s destroyed, another 55 damaged, with 310 aircrews killed or missing, along with 190 aircrews that were captured or interned. Operation Tidal Wave was initially deemed a success, but it quickly became apparent that the damage was less than expected. It further cost the allies aircraft that couldn’t be quickly replaced.

A formation of Consolidated B-24 Liberators is shown flying over the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania during Operation Tidal Wave, August 1, 1943. The bombers are captured in low-level flight, a tactic chosen to maximize bombing accuracy but one that exposed them to heavy anti-aircraft fire. Smoke and haze rise from the industrial complex below, evidence of the bombing runs. Nearly 180 B-24s participated in this mission, striking one of Germany’s most critical sources of fuel. The raid inflicted some damage but came at a terrible cost: 53 bombers were destroyed, and hundreds of aircrew were killed, captured, or interned. The photograph illustrates both the intensity and sacrifice of one of the most famous heavy bomber missions of World War II. It remains a defining moment in the Liberator’s combat history. — B-24 Liberators fly low during the raid on Ploesti’s oil refineries in Romania. The 1943 mission was one of the costliest yet most daring Allied bombing operations. Image: U.S. Air Force

The B-24 Liberator continued to carry out missions in the European and Mediterranean Theaters of Operations (ETO/MTO). The latter was largely carried out by the 15th Air Force, which was created on November 1, 1945. Along with the 8th Air Force, the bombers were used to strike German positions.

By May 1945, the number of B-24 Liberators had fallen from its peak of more than 2,000 to around 1,500. Attrition had been slowly taking its toll, while the aircraft were replaced by the Flying Fortress in Europe.

The RAF’s LB-30 in Europe

Of the 18,431 Liberator aircraft to roll off the assembly line, 2,340 were provided to the UK’s Royal Air Force. Interest in the plane from both the French and British armed forces dated back to its original development, and while the U.S. Army Air Corps had initially just ordered 36, the French Air Force placed an order for 120, while the Royal Air Force sought to obtain 164.

A Consolidated Liberator GR Mk.III bomber of the Royal Air Force is shown in its coastal reconnaissance configuration during World War II. This variant of the B-24 Liberator was specially modified for maritime patrol and anti-submarine duties. The GR Mk.III was equipped with radar, Leigh lights, and depth charges rather than the standard bomb payload used in land campaigns. Its long range allowed it to patrol the mid-Atlantic “air gap,” an area previously beyond the reach of most aircraft. The photo highlights the Liberator’s twin-tail design and four-engine layout, easily recognizable even in maritime service. Coastal Command used this aircraft extensively in the Battle of the Atlantic to track and destroy German U-boats. The image reflects the adaptability of the Liberator across multiple wartime theaters. — A Liberator GR Mk.III fitted for coastal reconnaissance patrols during World War II. These RAF variants were equipped to hunt submarines and protect shipping lanes.

As late as 1940, just before Germany launched its Blitzkrieg campaign, Paris was still optimistic and increased its orders to 175, under the designation LB-30MF (Mission Francais). That contract was taken over when France was quickly defeated, and the UK found itself fighting alone against Nazi Germany.

However, it wasn’t until August 1941, after which the British had been fighting the Germans for nearly two years, that it began to receive the bombers. The aircraft was designated as the Liberator LB-30.

A Consolidated B-24 Liberator is photographed on the ground at Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Kearney in California on December 27, 1944. The aircraft sits parked on the tarmac, with its twin tail and long Davis wing clearly visible. This wartime air station was used for training, modifications, and ferry operations as new bombers rolled off production lines. By this stage of the war, thousands of B-24s had passed through such facilities before being assigned to combat units overseas. The photo reflects the logistical backbone of U.S. air operations, showing how aircraft were staged, tested, and prepared before deployment. It underscores the scale of support required to maintain the Liberator fleet. The image is a rare look at a quiet stateside moment in the life of a bomber that otherwise saw action around the world. — A B-24 Liberator is parked at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kearney, California, in December 1944. Stateside facilities like this supported training and ferrying of aircraft.

Although it was similar in the B-24C variants, it was built entirely to British specifications and British equipment. The name “Liberator” was also given to the aircraft by the RAF, which was fitting as London hoped to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

As the RAF was already operating its own four-engine bombers, the Liberators in British service filled a variety of roles. The initial batch of nine aircraft, which lacked armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, was deemed unsuitable for combat, and those were subsequently rebuilt as transports. Another 20 were found to be unfit for combat operations and were rebuilt for other roles, which included anti-submarine patrols. Other Liberators were rebuilt as transports, and one, nicknamed the “Commando,” was even used as the personal transport for Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the war.

A North American-built Consolidated B-24G-16-NT Liberator, serial number 42-78471, nicknamed Fertile Myrtle, is shown during a mission with the 451st Bomb Group, 724th Bomb Squadron. The bomber belonged to the U.S. 15th Air Force, based in Italy, and is photographed during a raid over Hungary in World War II. The aircraft carries nose art identifying it by name, a common practice among bomber crews. Hungary was a frequent target due to its oil facilities, rail yards, and industrial support for Germany. The B-24G variant retained the long-range and heavy payload capability of earlier Liberators, making it suitable for deep strikes into Central Europe. This photo highlights both the individuality of combat aircraft through markings and the collective effort of the bomber groups. It represents the Liberator’s role in sustained strategic campaigns over Axis territory. — Assigned to the 724th Bomb Squadron, the B-24 “Fertile Myrtle” took part in long-range missions from Italy into Central Europe. Image: NARA

It is beyond the scope of a single article on the B-24 to go into the plethora of modifications made to the RAF’s LB-30s, but suffice it to say that these were numerous. What is noteworthy is that Liberator B.Mk IIIs were the only ones to serve in a bomber role, and that was only in the Far East.

Liberating the Pacific

The B-24’s operations in Europe have gotten significant attention. Still, a Liberator was also among the first American aircraft lost during World War II, as a B-24A was caught on the ground at Hickam Field, Hawaii, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

A U.S. Army Air Forces Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber takes off from Eniwetok Island airfield in the Marshall Islands on April 13, 1944. The photograph, taken from the top of an observation tower, shows the bomber climbing from the coral-surfaced runway. In the distance, several other B-24s are parked along the airfield, prepared for upcoming missions. Beyond the shoreline, two Liberty ships are anchored offshore, providing logistical support to the base. The scene illustrates how remote Pacific atolls were transformed into strategic airfields capable of launching long-range strikes. Eniwetok was an important staging point for raids on Japanese-held islands. The photo combines aviation, naval supply, and base construction in one moment of wartime activity. — A B-24 Liberator lifts off from Eniwetok’s coral runway on April 13, 1944. Eniwetok served as a vital base for long-range Liberator missions. Image: U.S. Navy

The aircraft aided in the liberation of occupied territory in the Pacific and Far Eastern theaters of operation. The USAAF’s 7th and 19th Bomb Groups began operating repossessed LB-30s in the Southwest Pacific in February 1942, just months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The aircraft often flew with B-17s and hunted Japanese convoys, albeit with limited success.

The 11th Air Force in Alaska also employed LB-30s and B-24Ds against the Japanese forces during the campaign in the Aleutians, the only U.S. territory in North America to be invaded. The newly raised 21st and 404 Bomb Squadrons were able to advance from the Aleutian chain to Adak in the fall of 1942, which then put the bombers in range of Japanese targets.

A formation of Consolidated Liberator B Mk VI bombers of the Royal Air Force No. 356 Squadron is photographed flying back to base at Salbani, India, on 21 January 1945. Below in the background lies Ramree Island, which had just been bombed to weaken Japanese defenses before Allied landings. The Liberators fly in tight formation, their long wings and twin tails silhouetted against the sky. These aircraft were adapted from the American B-24 and saw extensive RAF use in Southeast Asia. The bombing of Ramree was part of the campaign to secure control of Burma and surrounding islands. The image highlights the reach of RAF heavy bombers operating from India into Japanese-held territory. It captures both the geography of the campaign and the scale of the air effort. — RAF Liberator B Mk VIs of No. 356 Squadron return to Salbani, India, after striking Japanese positions on Ramree Island in January 1945. The raid supported Allied landings in Burma. Image: RAF

Around the same time, the 10th Air Force India Air Task Force (IATF) Liberators made their first raids on Japanese targets in China, and soon after joined the 5th and 7th Air Forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO). On the night of December 22/23, 1942, the 7th Air Force mounted an attack with 26 B-24s against the occupied Wake Island, staging the attack via Midway from Hawaii. It occurred just a year after the island had fallen to the Japanese.

As the B-17 was phased out of operations in the PTO in 1943, with deliveries of the bomber to Europe, the B-24’s role increased. By the end of the year, the 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 13th, and 14th Air Forces were all flying combat missions with the Consolidated bomber.

A Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber is shown taking off from an advanced U.S. base in China in 1943, its landing wheels retracting into the fuselage. In the foreground, shark-nosed Curtiss P-40 fighter planes are parked, instantly recognizable by their iconic paint scheme. An American soldier stands nearby, waving to the departing crew as a gesture of good luck. The Liberator was tasked with long-range bombing missions against Japanese targets, using forward bases in China as staging points. This photo illustrates the cooperation between bomber and fighter units in the China-Burma-India theater. The rugged conditions of the base, visible in the dirt runway and dispersed aircraft, reflect the difficult environment of these operations. It captures both the humanity of the sendoff and the scale of the mission ahead. — A U.S. Army Air Forces B-24 Liberator lifts off from a forward base in China in 1943. An American soldier waves it off as P-40 Warhawks sit parked nearby. Image: U.S. Air Force

As encounters with Japanese fighters increased, the bomber was modified accordingly. That led to the introduction of the B-24D model, which was outfitted with turrets being installed in the noses to discourage the attacks. Other developments included the installation of radar to improve bomber accuracy.

The B-24J, the most numerous Liberator variant, entered production in 1944, with most finding their way to the PTO. That was followed by the B-24L and B-24M models. The Liberators took part in bombing raids on the Japanese-occupied Rabaul, an island in New Britain east of New Guinea. It was heavily bombed to avoid a costly invasion, and round-the-clock attacks ensured the island was taken off the board and out of the fight.

A group of U.S. Army Air Forces personnel from the 5th Air Force pose for a photograph in front of their Consolidated B-24 Liberator during World War II. The airmen are dressed in flight gear, including leather jackets, flight suits, and parachute harnesses, reflecting preparation for combat missions. The bomber’s nose and fuselage form the backdrop, its size emphasizing the scale of the aircraft compared to the men who flew it. Each crew typically consisted of ten men, including pilot, copilot, navigator, bombardier, gunners, and radio operator. In the Pacific Theater, crews like this flew long missions over water, often facing harsh weather and enemy fighters. The photo captures both camaraderie and the seriousness of their work. It provides a human dimension to the Liberator’s combat history. — These airmen flew long-range missions across the Pacific where the B-24’s endurance was critical. Image: NARA

The 7th Air Force carried out other B-24 raids from the U.S.-controlled island of Saipan on Iwo Jima. In December 1944, as the U.S. forces were liberating the Philippines, the B-24 Liberators carried out bombing runs on the former American stronghold at Clark Field.

In the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater, B-24s carried out raids against Japanese supply routes into Burma that slowed Tokyo’s desperate offensive to turn the tide of war. At the same time, other bombers dropped mines in occupied harbors and sea lines to disrupt Japanese sea traffic.

A U.S. Army Air Forces B-24 Liberator bomber is captured lifting off from a Pacific island runway ahead of the Mariana Islands campaign in World War II. The four-engine aircraft, with landing gear still extended, begins its climb into the sky under heavy load. Dust rises from the airstrip, a common sight on improvised coral and dirt runways used throughout the Pacific. The mission represents the long-range raids launched against Japanese strongholds to soften defenses before amphibious assaults. The B-24’s extended fuel capacity and range allowed it to operate effectively across vast stretches of ocean. This photo illustrates both the scale of Pacific operations and the critical role of strategic bombing. It captures the moment when aircrews committed to another dangerous mission over enemy territory. — A B-24 Liberator takes off from a Pacific island airstrip ahead of the Mariana Islands campaign. These bombers spearheaded long-range strikes against Japanese positions. Image: U.S. Navy

And although the raid on Ploesti has been chronicled in great detail, B-24s also bombed former Dutch oilfields and refineries in Balikpapen, Borneo, which supplied the Japanese war effort with 35% of its petroleum, including critical aviation fuel. Throughout the war, Balikpapen came under attack from the 5th and 13th Air Forces on multiple occasions, where more than 300 bombers dropped 433 tons of bombs. It came at a cost of 22 B-24s, yet, Japan’s oil production was significantly curtailed.

The U.S. Navy’s Liberator — The PB4Y

Losses of Allied shipping in the Atlantic to German submarines hunting in the notorious “wolf packs” highlighted a need for long-range patrol aircraft for the United States Navy. The British Coastal Command had already demonstrated the suitability of the Liberator, and the U.S. Navy subsequently adopted the aircraft, which was designated the PB47.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator heavy bomber in flight during World War II. The PB4Y-1 was a naval adaptation of the B-24 Liberator, modified for maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range reconnaissance. The aircraft retains the distinctive Davis wing and twin-tail design of the B-24. Its payload could include depth charges, bombs, or radar equipment for hunting enemy submarines. The Navy deployed the PB4Y-1 across both the Atlantic and Pacific, where it helped close the mid-ocean “air gap” against U-boats. This aircraft’s versatility allowed it to strike shipping lanes, scout enemy movements, and support fleet operations. The image highlights the close ties between Army and Navy aviation during the war. — A U.S. Navy PB4Y-1 Liberator in flight during World War II. The Navy adapted the bomber for long-range patrol and anti-submarine missions.

The Liberator, with its long range, was well-suited to the role. Instead of operating as a bomber, it was equipped with surface radar and depth charges. After only a short period of service, the PB47 Liberators helped reduce the shipping losses to German U-boats. The aircraft first operated out of Iceland, and then saw use in the Pacific, carrying out both bombing and patrol duties, bringing havoc to Japanese installations and naval vessels alike.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator patrol bomber is shown flying over the Bay of Biscay during World War II. The aircraft is on a maritime patrol mission, searching for German U-boats that operated heavily in the area. Below, the waters of the Atlantic are visible, stretching across the horizon. The PB4Y-1 carried radar and depth charges, allowing it to detect and attack submarines surfacing to recharge batteries. These patrols were crucial in reducing Allied shipping losses and closing the mid-ocean gap where convoys were previously vulnerable. The photo emphasizes the endurance of the aircraft, capable of flying long hours over open sea. It highlights the Navy’s reliance on adapted heavy bombers for anti-submarine warfare. — A U.S. Navy PB4Y-1 Liberator flies over the Bay of Biscay searching for German U-boats in December 1943. Image: U.S. Navy

In the final years of the Second World War, the aircraft was “navalized,” featuring an extended fuselage to accommodate a flight engineer’s station, while the most noticeable change was a tall single vertical stabilizer replacing the B-24’s twin tail configuration. The change was still significant enough that the PB4Y-2 was dubbed the “Privateer.”

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer is shown parked on the tarmac at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, in 1944. This long-range patrol bomber was developed from the B-24 Liberator but featured a single tall vertical stabilizer instead of the twin tail design. The aircraft’s fuselage was lengthened to accommodate additional crew positions, including a flight engineer’s station. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol, the Privateer carried radar, depth charges, and heavy defensive armament. Its single tail improved stability during long over-water missions. The scene highlights the aircraft in testing and operational preparation before being deployed in the Pacific. The PB4Y-2 went on to serve in World War II, Korea, and even postwar roles such as weather reconnaissance. — A U.S. Navy PB4Y-2 Privateer sits on the tarmac at NAS Patuxent River in 1944. The aircraft’s single tall tail set it apart from the B-24.

The PB4Y-2 saw service in the Korean War, and afterwards, many of the aircraft were converted for weather reconnaissance, with others retrofitted to serve as aerial firefighting planes.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer patrol bomber is photographed flying over Miami, Florida, in 1949. The aircraft, derived from the B-24 Liberator, features its distinctive single tall tail fin and lengthened fuselage. Below, parts of the city and coastline are visible, providing context for the aircraft’s flight over a postwar urban landscape. The PB4Y-2 served in naval patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance roles well into the late 1940s and 1950s. This variant carried radar, depth charges, and heavy armament during its service life, but by 1949 it was also being tested for peacetime roles such as weather reconnaissance. The photo demonstrates how military aircraft transitioned from combat service to new missions during the early Cold War. It also reflects the continuing utility of the Privateer in naval aviation history. — A U.S. Navy PB4Y-2 Privateer flies over Miami in 1949, several years after World War II. The aircraft continued service into the Cold War era. Image: U.S. Navy

The Privateer is noteworthy for being operated well after World War II by the French military in the Far East and in North Africa. In addition, an unknown number were provided to the National Chinese, which operated the aircraft as patrol planes from Taiwan during the 1960s. One of those aircraft was later suspected of having been shot down by the Burmese Air Force in 1961 after dropping supplies to anti-Communist Kuomintang guerrilla forces operating in the Shan State region.

Honduras acquired at least three of the retired aircraft, which were used as transports, with the aircraft finally retired in the late 1950s.

A Baker’s Dozen Survived

Although more Consolidated B-24 Liberators were built than any other bomber in history, just 13 survive, and only one is airworthy. The number could have been smaller, but 39 that were abandoned after World War II were refurbished and saw service with the Indian Air Force. Those aircraft remained in operation until 1968, and six were preserved.

A rare photograph of the Consolidated XB-41 Liberator, the only gunship conversion of the B-24 heavy bomber, built from early production B-24D serial number 41-11822. The aircraft was heavily modified to carry additional defensive gun turrets, with the intent of creating an armed escort bomber for formations. This concept mirrored the YB-40 program for the B-17, which was already proving unsuccessful in Europe by the time the XB-41 flew. In this photo, the aircraft has not yet received its wide-chord propellers, a later modification attempt. The bomber’s silhouette is recognizable but noticeably altered by the additional armament. Testing showed the XB-41 to be impractical due to poor performance once bombers jettisoned their payloads. The image captures a little-seen chapter in experimental U.S. bomber design during World War II. — The experimental XB-41 Liberator was a gunship conversion of the B-24D. Only one was built. It had additional gun turrets for bomber escort duties. Image: NARA

Of the surviving B-24s, nine were made by Consolidated, with four produced in Fort Worth, and five more in San Diego. The remainder was made by Ford at its Willow Run facility in Michigan. No North American or Douglas models survive, however.

The only airworthy B-24 (Serial Number AM927) is one that was ordered by France and then taken over by the RAF. It is in the collection of the Commemorative Air Force and was converted to the B-24A standard, resembling the type of aircraft operated by the USAAF during WWII.

A Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber is displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The restored aircraft is exhibited indoors, allowing visitors to view its large fuselage, high-mounted Davis wing, and distinctive twin tail assembly. The paint scheme and markings reflect its wartime appearance, honoring the thousands of bombers that served across Europe, the Pacific, and the Atlantic. This preserved Liberator provides a rare chance to see up close the complexity and size of the most-produced American bomber in history. Only a handful survive today, making this example especially significant. The museum exhibit highlights the engineering, history, and legacy of the B-24 in U.S. military aviation. It also serves as a tribute to the crews who flew dangerous missions during World War II. — A restored Consolidated B-24 Liberator on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft represents the most-produced American bomber of World War II. Image: U.S. Air Force

Military aviation buffs should know that multiple museums now have a B-24 on display and that includes the Hill Aerospace Museum in Roy Utah; the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio; the Castle Air Museum in Atwater, California; the Collings Foundation in Stow, Massachusetts; the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona; the Fantasy of Flight Museum at Polk City, Florida; and the Barksdale Global Power Museum in Bossier City, Louisiana. It was announced in June that the latter B-24 will be transferred from the Barksdale Museum to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia.

A Consolidated B-24D Liberator, nicknamed Strawberry Bitch, is shown on the runway in its restored wartime paint scheme. The bomber is painted in desert pink camouflage, reflecting its service in the North African and Mediterranean theaters. Its nose art, featuring a reclining pin-up figure, is prominently displayed on the aircraft’s forward fuselage. The four-engine bomber retains its distinctive Davis wing and twin tail design, making it instantly recognizable as a B-24. Strawberry Bitch is one of the few surviving Liberators, preserved to educate the public on World War II aviation history. The aircraft flew missions with the U.S. Army Air Forces before being retired and later restored. This photo captures both its historical significance and the striking appearance of one of the war’s best-known B-24s. — The restored B-24D “Strawberry Bitch” sits on the runway, one of the few surviving Liberators. Its desert pink paint scheme reflects service in the North African campaign. Image: U.S. Air Force

B-24s that saw service with the RAF are in the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Canada; the Royal Air Force Museum in London; the Imperial War Museum Duxford, England; and the Indian Air Force Museum in Delhi, India.

A B-24 is under restoration for display in Australia, while another RAF B-24 is being restored to airworthiness by Project Warbird in South Carolina.

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