Warplanes of the USA: Consolidated B-24 Liberator

Consolidated B-24 Liberator

The aim of this website is to locate, identify and document Warplanes from the Second World War preserved in the USA.  Many contributors have assisted in the hunt for these aircraft to provide and update the data on this website.  Photos are as credited.  Any errors found here are by the author, and any additions, corrections or amendments to this list of Warplane Survivors of the Second World War in the United States of America would be most welcome and may be e-mailed to the author at hskaarup@rogers.com.

Consolidated B-24 Liberators preserved in the USA

(Mike Haggarty Photo)

Consolidated B-24A Liberator, RAF (Serial No. AM927), USAAF (Serial No. 40-2366), "Diamond Lil", 98th Bomb Group, Commemorative Air Force, Addison, Texas. Airworthy. Built at Consolidated San Diego as the 25th LB-30/B-24 series aircraft, contract number 40-2366. Originally ordered by France, then order taken over by Royal Air Force (RAF) and manufactured as RAF (Serial No. AM927). Delivered to Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA) for use at a TWA flight school in New Mexico to train RAF crews; involved in landing accident during training flight. Returned to San Diego for repairs and not sent to Britain. Kept by Consolidated and converted to similar standard as C-87, then used as transport aircraft, flying between production facilities; and as flight test aircraft, to help development of later models. Following the Second World War, ownership formally transferred from Britain to Consolidated in Nov 1945; sold to Continental Can Co. in 1948 and used as executive aircraft until 1955, then sold to Petroleos Mexicanos for further use as executive aircraft. Purchased in 1969 by Confederate Air Force (now named Commemorative Air Force). In 1971 restored in livery of 98th Bomb Group, Pyramiders of the 9th Air Force. Converted in 2006 to B-24A. Since 2012 wears livery of "Diamond Lil." Along with 44-44052, one of only two airworthy B-24s. (Wikipedia)

The Consolidated Aircraft Company created the four-engine B-24 Liberator in the early 1940s as an improvement of the Boeing B-17. During the Second World War the bomber was employed on long-duration bombing missions in both Europe and the Pacific. Though sometimes difficult to fly, the B-24 possessed greater speed, range, and bomb loads than the B-17. The aircraft earned its "The Flying Coffin" nickname because the single exit point was located in the rear of the aircraft, which was difficult to access with parachutes. The US produced greater numbers of the famous B-24 than any other aircraft during the war.

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber was designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and some initial production aircraft were laid down as export models designated as various LB-30s, in the Land Bomber design category.At its inception, the B-24 was a modern design featuring a highly efficient shoulder-mounted, high aspect ratio Davis wing. The wing gave the Liberator a high cruise speed, long range and the ability to carry a heavy bomb load. In comparison with its contemporaries, the B-24 was relatively difficult to fly and had poor low-speed performance; it also had a lower ceiling and was less robust than the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. While aircrews tended to prefer the B-17, General Staff favoured the B-24 and procured it in huge numbers for a wide variety of roles. At approximately 18,500 units – including 8,685 manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, the B-24 holds records as the world's most produced bomber, heavy bomber, multi-engine aircraft, and American military aircraft in history.

The B-24 was used extensively in the Second World War where it served in every branch of the American armed forces, as well as several Allied air forces and navies. It saw use in every theater of operations. Along with the B-17, the B-24 was the mainstay of the US strategic bombing campaign in the Western European theater. Due to its range, it proved useful in bombing operations in the Pacific, including the bombing of Japan. Long-range anti-submarine Liberators played an instrumental role in closing the Mid-Atlantic gap in the Battle of the Atlantic. The C-87 transport derivative served as a longer range, higher capacity counterpart to the Douglas C-47 Skytrain. By the end of the Second World War, the technological breakthroughs of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and other modern types had surpassed the bombers that served from the start of the war. The B-24 was rapidly phased out of U.S. service, although the PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime patrol derivative carried on in service with the U.S. Navy in the Korean War. (Wikipedia)

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated YB-24 Liberator, 0697.

(USAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24D Liberator (Serial No. 41-23908), Hill Aerospace Museum, Roy, Utah. Built at Consolidated San Diego as B-24D-10-CO. Sent to Fort Worth in late 1942 for modifications for Alaskan service. Assigned to 21st Bombardment Squadron at Adak Army Airfield. Crash landed on Great Sitkin Island 18 January 1943 due to bad weather. Located in summer 1994 by Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah. Recovered during summer 1995 and sent to California for restoration. Restored fuselage arrived at Hill Aerospace Museum 17 May 2002. Wings now completed and ready for final assembly. Wikipedia)

(NMUSAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24D Liberator (Serial No. 42-72843), 24, c/n 2413, "Strawberry Bitch", National Museum of the USAF, Dayton, Ohio. Built at Consolidated San Diego as B-24D-160-CO. Assigned to 512th Bomb Squadron. Flew 56 missions between 20 September 1943 and 10 June 1944. Named as "Strawberry Bitch" at Herington Air Force Base by Flight Engineer Sergeant Haberman. Nose art painted at San Pancrazio, Italy. Returned ZOI 6 July 1944. Stored at Freeman Field, Illinois after the Second World War. Ferried to United States Air Force Museum in May 1959. (Wikipedia)

(Alan Wilson Photo)
Consolidated B-24M Liberator (Serial No. 44-41906), "Shady Lady", Castle Air Museum, Atwater, California. Built at Consolidated San Diego as B-24M-5-CO. Converted to a US Navy PB4Y-1, BuNo. 90155 for use by the United States Marine Corps as transport for the commandant. After the war, flown by Salem Engineering Company as a C-87 until 1951. Flown by Compañía Boliviana de Aviación and Bolivian Overseas Airways until 1973. Purchased by Castle Air Museum in 1982. Wears livery of 42-40369 "Shady Lady." Wears spurious serial 44-41916 on tail. (Wikipedia)

(Tequask Photo)

Consolidated B-24J Liberator (Serial No. 44-44052), "The Fragon and his Tail", Collings Foundation, Stow, Massachusetts, 2004. Airworthy.

(Chris Finney Contrabandit Photo)
Consolidated B-24J Liberator (Serial No. 44-44052), "Witchcraft", Collings Foundation, Stow, Massachusetts. Airworthy. Built at Consolidated Fort Worth as B-24J-85-CF. Delivered to USAAF October 1944. Assigned to the RAF in India and flown as a Liberator GR.VI (Serial No. KH191. Abandoned in Khanpur, India following the Second World War. One of 39 B-24s restored Hindustan Aircraft and used as T-18 and used at the Indian Air Force Technical College at Jalahalli, India until December 1968. Abandoned in India following service. In 1982, purchased by Doug Arnold and sent to England and stored at Blackbushe until 1986. Purchased by Collings Foundation and rebuilt by Tom Reilly Vintage Aircraft in Kissimmee, Florida, using livery of 42-78444 "All American." First flown 8 August 1989. Repainted as 44-40973 "The Dragon and His Tail" in 1998. In 2005 repainted as 42-52534 "Witchcraft." Along with 40-2366, one of only two airworthy B-24s, although not currently flying. (Wikipedia)

(aeroprints.com Photo)
Consolidated B-24J Liberator (Serial No. 44-44175), "Bungay Buckaroo", Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona. Built at Consolidated Fort Worth as B-24J-90-CF. Delivered to the RAF South East Asia Command and was flown as a Liberator GR.VI serial number KH304. Stricken off charge on 11 April 1946. One of the B-24s used by the Indian Air Force No 6 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron as serial number HE877 and was operated until 1968. Placed in storage at Poona Air Base. Donated to Pima Air and Space Museum, arriving March 1969. Painted as "Paisano/Shoot You're Covered." Later painted as "Bungay Buckaroo." (Wikipedia)

(Valder137 Photos)
Consolidated B-24J Liberator (Serial No. 44-44272), "Joe", Fantasy of Flight, Polk City, Florida. Built at Consolidated Fort Worth as B-24J-95-CF. Delivered to the RAF South East Asia Command as a Liberator B Mk. VI (Serial No. KH401). One of 39 B-24s restored by Hindustan Aircraft for use by the Indian Air Force as (Serial No. HE771) and flown until Dec 1968. Acquired by Yesterdays Air Force of Chino, California in 1973. Restored by Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation in 1982. Loaned to March Field Air Museum in 1984 and to Mid-America Air Museum in 1987. Acquired in 2001 by Fantasy of Flight. Although not airworthy, it is registered with FAA as N94459. Wears livery of (Serial No. 42-50551), "Joe." (Wikipedia)

(Michael Barera Photo)
Consolidated B-24J Liberator (Serial No. 44-48781), "Louisiana Belle II", Barksdale Global Air Power Museum, Bossier City, Louisiana. Built at Ford Willow Run as B-24J-20-FO. Struck off 7 Dec 1945. Purchased by Spartan School of Aeronautics, Tulsa, Oklahoma and used as and instructional airframe. Later stripped and left derelict. Sold as scrap in 1960 and stored at Tulsa Airport. Purchased in 1978 by National Museum of the United States Air Force. Transferred to Barksdale AFB in December 1978. Restored in 1982 with livery of "Laiden Maiden." Later painted as "Louisiana Belle II." Now wears livery of "Rupert The Roo II", (Serial No. 42-73076). (Wikipedia)

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24D-7-CO Liberator (Serial No. 41-23828) from Maxwell Field, Alabama, makes a turn at high altitude. 41-23828 was later assigned to the 90th Bomb Group, Fifth Air Force in Australia and named "CZECK'EM." It survived the war.

(USAAF Photo)

U.S. Army Air Forces Consolidated B-24D Liberators of the 93rd Bomb Group flying in formation, c1943. The aircraft visible are: B-24D-25-CO (Serial No. 41-24226) (L) "Joisey Bounce" (later "Utah Man"?), 330th Bomb Squadron, collided in midair with 42-40765 on 13 November 1943 on a mission to Bremen, Germany, and crashed near Husum, Germany, 8 KIA, 2 POW (MACR 2179). B-24D-20-CO (Serial No. 41-24147) (A) "The Duchess"/"Evelyn the Duchess", 330th Bomb Squadron, shot down 25 February 1944 over Herzheim, Germany, 2 KIA, 8 POW (MACR 2924). B-24D-1-CO (Serial No. 41-23722) (C) "Boomerang". B-24D-40-CO (Serial No. 42-40246) (F) "Thunder Mug", 328th Bomb Squadron.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24-10-CF Liberator, USAAF (Serial No. 41-29273), coded J4- Q, "Flak Magnet". Crew No. 33 of the 753rd Bomb Squadron, 458th Bomb Group, 2nd Air Division, Eighth Air Force, based at Horsham St. Faith, a village on the outskirts of Norwich, England. four squadrons. At that time each squadron had 18 combat crews and 16 B-24 Liberators.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24L-10-FO Liberator, USAAF (Serial No. 44-49647), on a bomb run over the Vienna Railyards, Austria, 15 Jan 1945.

(Library of Congress Photo 1982A)

15th Air Force Consolidated B-24 Liberators taking part in Operation Tidal Wave, an air attack by the United States Army Air Forces based in Libya and Southern Italy on nine oil refineries, including the the Concordia Vega Oil refinery, around Ploiesti, Romania, on 31 May 1944. It was a strategic bombing mission and part of the "oil campaign" to deny petroleum-based fuel to the Axis.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24H Liberator “Scrappy” with the 725th Bomb Squadron, No. 2 engine smoking, Vienna, Austria, 1944.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24H Liberator “Scrappy” with the 725th Bomb Squadron trails smoke as it returns from Austria. The crew bails out as it loses altitude east of Zagreb, Yugoslavia, and the aircraft is lost near Zdenci, Yugoslavia. 22 Aug 1944. Giorgio Pani Vienna had six 'Flakturm VIII G-Towers' Flak Towers, built about 1942. Being this late in the war these were radar controlled; this caused the destruction of many aircraft able to fire 8000rpm including small calibre flak. (Peter Brackenbury)

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24H Liberator, USAAF (Serial No. 41-29144), "Ronnie", 704th BS, 446th BG, 8th AF unloading ordnance over Axis territory.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24 Liberator, USAAF (Serial No. 44-50545), 545, 392nd BG Liberator.

(USGOV-PD Photo)

Consolidated B-24D-15-CF Liberator (Serial No. 42-63960), "Dorothy", 564th Bomb Squadron, 389th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, on raid over Congac, France, 8 Feb 1944.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Consolidated B-24E Liberator.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24M-20-CO Liberator (Serial No. 44-42151), Bolivar Jr. 431st Bomb Squadron, 11th Bomb Group.

(USAAF Photo)

B-24 Liberator at the Willow Run plant in Michigan. This 3.5 million-square-foot facility was critical for the US' production of B-24 heavy bombers during the Second World War. At its busiest, 100 finished B-24s left the plant in just two days.

(USAAF Photo)

Consolidated B-24J-185-CO Liberator (Serial No. 44-40852), 436th BS 7th BG, unloading fuel after flying "The Hump" into Kunming, China, on 6 Sep 1944.

(IWM Photo, FRE 6822)

Ground personnel of the 490th Bomb Group work on a B-24 Liberator (Serial No. 42-94837 ) nicknamed "The Jinx 13" at Eye in the UK.

Post War

Variations on the configuration of the B-24 were carried out post war.

(NACA Photo)

Consolidated B-24M-10 Liberator (Serial No. 44-41986), the 37th M-10 built, used for jet engine icing tests, fying over Lake Erie, c1946.

The B-24M variation added windows to the waist gunner’s positions near the rear of the aircraft. Production of the B‒24M version did not begin until October 1944 with the end of the war in Europe approaching. This resulted in scores of unneeded bombers when hostilities ended. This B‒24M arrived at the NACA Lewis laboratory in November 1945.

Utilization at Glenn: The NACA’s B-24M became one of the laboratory’s most frequently used aircraft. Mechanics repeatedly modified the B-24M to study different icing phenomena on components such as windshields, antenna, propellers, and engines. Each component had individual thermal ice protection devices which allowed researchers to determine the effect of ice on specific areas. Over the next nine years researchers studied almost all components, including wings, tail, engine cowls, nose, propellers, and antennas in icing conditions.

They also utilized the B‒24M was to study ice buildup on jet engines. A General Electric I‒16 engine was installed in the aircraft’s waist compartment. An air scoop on the top of the aircraft ducted cold external air to the engine inside. Water spray nozzles inside the aircraft simulated icing conditions at the turbojet’s inlet. Later a Westinghouse 24C turbojet was installed under the B‒24M’s right wing to study its performance as the crew flew the aircraft into hazardous icing conditions. After nearly four years of intensive service at Lewis the NACA transferred the B‒24M in July 1949.

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