Would you like to see this in-game?
Which model of the B-24M would you like to see implemented? (Differences are mostly cosmetic. Multiple choice; choose up to 4)
Early B-24M (Blocks -1, -5, -10, or -15)
Late B-24M (Block -20 or late, incorporating the redesigned high-vis canopy)
I have a specific model in mind (please comment)
I want all B-24M models
Don’t care, just gimme any B-24M model
I said “No” in the first poll
Consolidated B-24M Liberator
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the Consolidated B-24M Liberator for the US aviation tree in War Thunder. The B-24M was the final production model of the Liberator, introduced in October 1944 and entering service as early as January 1945. It was essentially an improved B-24L with further refinements, though its operational career was so short that many went straight from the factory to the scrapyard.
History
In December 1944, both Consolidated’s San Diego plant and Ford’s Willow Run plant shifted to producing the B-24M, the last major version of the Liberator. It was conceived as a continuation of the lightweight program initiated with the B-24L, aiming to address the overweight issues of the definitive B-24J. The M model replaced the L’s M-6A Stinger tail turret with a standardized lightweight version of the Consolidated A-6B tail turret. From Block 20 onward, the B-24M also featured a redesigned pilot’s canopy that significantly improved forward visibility, and some aircraft saw the return of the ball turret in the lower fuselage.
The B-24M was the second and final product of the downsized Liberator Production Pool, after Douglas and North American exited B-24 manufacturing upon completing their B-24J orders. Only Consolidated and Ford continued production through to the end.
The first B-24Ms rolled out in October 1944, but operational service began in early 1945, largely replacing B-24Ls. Production ended in June 1945 with 2,593 aircraft built, 916 by Consolidated and 1,677 by Ford. By then, the B-29 had taken over most long-range bombing duties in the Pacific, and the B-24M was already considered obsolete. Many newly built aircraft were flown directly from the factory to storage or scrapping facilities.
Despite its short career, the B-24M saw varied service over European and Pacific theaters. Numerous examples were transferred to the US Navy as PB4Y-1s, while others were supplied to Allied nations under Lend-Lease. Australia received 83, Canada four, and China 37. The PLAAF even operated two captured B-24Ms taken from the Chinese Nationalists during the Chinese Civil War, retaining them in service until 1952.
Some surviving B-24Ms in the postwar period were converted into EB-24Ms, fitted with various radio equipment. Some others served as testbeds for modifications, including research into the effects of icing and the development of potential de-icing methods.
Specifications
Consolidated B-24M Liberator
Total Produced: 2,593 (all blocks)
General Characteristics
Crew: 10
Dimensions:
Length: 67 ft 2 in (20.47 m)
Height: 18 ft (5.49 m)
Wingspan: 110 ft (33.53 m)
Wing Area: 1,048 sq ft (97.36 sq m)
Propeller:
Type: 4 x 3-bladed Hamilton-Standard Hydromatic
Diameter: 11 ft 7 in (3.53 m)
Powerplant:
Type: 4 x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-65 Twin Wasp
Configuration: Turbo-supercharged radials
Power Output:
Takeoff/Altitude: 1,200 hp (895 kW) each (4,800 hp / 3,580 kW total)
Fuel/Oil:
Fuel Capacity: 2,364 - 3,164 US gal (self-sealing)
Oil Capacity: 131.6 US gal (498 L)
Weight:
Empty: 35,500 lb (16,102 kg)
Gross: 56,000 lb (25,401 kg)
Max Takeoff: 65,000 lb (29,484 kg)
Max Bomb Load: 12,800 lb (5,806 kg)
Flight Performance
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.09 hp/lb (0.14 kW/kg)
Max Speed:
Max @ 25,000 ft: 290 mph (467 km/h)
Max @ 30,000 ft: 278 mph (447 km/h)
Wing Loading: 53.4 lb/sq ft (261 kg/sq m)
Time to Altitude: 31 min to 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Armament
Defensive Guns (10 x .50-cal):
Total Ammunition: 5,216 rounds
Nose Turret: 2 x M2 Browning (600 rpg)
Top Turret: 2 x M2 Browning (400 rpg)
Ball Turret: 2 x M2 Browning (508 rpg)
Waist Positions: 1 x M2 Browning per side (500 rds)
Tail Turret: 2 x M2 Browning (600 rpg)
Bombs:
2 x 4,000-lb on wings
2 x 2,000-lb on wings
4 x 2,000-lb
8 x 1,600-lb
12 x 1,000-lb
12 x 500-lb
12 x 300-lb
12 x 250-lb
20 x 100-lb
Related Suggestions
Liberator Family:
Sources
EE-393 Wartime Tactical Planning Characteristics & Performance Charts (1 April 1945)
AN 01-5EE-1 Pilot’s Flight Operating Instructions for B-24G, H, J, L, and M (30 November 1944)
B-24 Liberator In Action - Aircraft Number 080 (1987)
Warbird Tech Vol. 1 - Consolidated B-24 Liberator (1996)
B-24 Liberator In Detail & Scale Vol. 64 (2000)
Osprey Production Line to Frontline 4 - Consolidated B-24 Liberator (2003)
Crowood Aviation Series - Consolidated B-24 Liberator (2004)
Consolidated B-24 Liberator - Wikipedia Convair/Ford B-24M Liberator
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
1 Like
+1, The B-24J and B-24M would round out a B-24 folder nicely. Very underrepresented in game for one of the most produced aircraft in WWII and the most produced American bomber.
