The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber. The B-24 was used in World War II by several Allied air forces and navies, and by every branch of the American armed forces during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the Western European, Pacific, Mediterranean, and China-Burma-India Theatres.
Often compared with the better known Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 was a more modern design with a higher top speed, greater range, and a heavier bomb load; it was also more difficult to fly, with heavy control forces and poor formation flying characteristics. Popular opinion among aircrews and general staffs tended to favor the B-17's rugged qualities above all other considerations in the European Theatre. The placement of the B-24's fuel tanks throughout the upper fuselage and its lightweight construction, designed to increase range and optimise assembly line production, made the aircraft vulnerable to battle damage. The B-24 was notorious among American aircrews for its tendency to catch fire. Its high fuselage mounted "Davis wing" also meant it was dangerous to ditch or belly land, since the fuselage tended to break apart. Nevertheless, the B-24 provided excellent service in a variety of roles thanks to its large payload and long range and was the only bomber to operationally deploy the United States' first forerunner to precision guided munitions during the war, the 1,000 lb. Azon guided bomb.
The B-24's most costly mission was the low level strike against the Ploiesti oil fields, in Romania on 1 August 1943, which turned into a disaster because the defence was underestimated and fully alerted while the attackers were disorganised.
The B-24 ended World War II as the most produced heavy bomber in history. At over 18,400 units, half by Ford Motor Company, it still holds the distinction as the most produced American military aircraft.
Model Dimensions Length: 430.3mm Wingspan: 694.6mm
Total Plastic Parts 500+
Total Sprues 21 sprues and tyres
Photo Etched Parts 1 piece
Detailed fuselage &wing with accurate design
Finely detailed cockpit,gear cabin,
Paint and glue not included
SKU | HB81775 |
Brand | Hobbyboss |
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