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Consolidated LIBERATOR
ASW Patrol aircraft in standard camouflage markings (CF Photo)
During World War II, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator was manufactured in larger numbers than any other heavy bomber. In RCAF service, however, the type primarily served the long range maritime reconnaissance and heavy transport roles although some RCAF personnel did fly this type of aircraft on heavy bomber operations in the South East Asia theatre of war. From Canada's east coast, the type was used primarily in the ASW role; this aircraft type provided convoys with air cover as far as the mid-Atlantic. An Operational Training Unit (OTU) using Liberators was also established on Canada's west coast.
| Manufacturer: | Consolidated Aircraft + various other American companies under licence |
| Crew/Passengers: | normal bomber crew of ten |
| Power Plant: | four 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830-65 14 cylinder radials |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 290 mph (467 km/h) Cruising Speed: 190 mph (306 km/h) Service Ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,534 m) Range: 2,200 miles (3,540 km) |
| Weights: | Empty: 37,000 lb (16,783 kg) Gross: 65,000 lb (29,484 kg) |
| Dimensions: | Span: 110 ft 0 in (33.5 m) Length: 67 ft 2 in (20.47 m) Height: 18 ft 0 in (5.94 m) |
| Armament: | Provision for ten 0.50 Browning machine guns in 4 turrets and 2 waist gun positions plus two bomb bays for up to 8,000 lbs of bombs or stores |
| Cost: | $336,000 US |
| Marks: | Mk VI, C.Mk VI, C.Mk VII, C. Mk VIII, G.R. Mk V, G.R.Mk VI, G.R.Mk VIT, G.R.Mk VIII |