The B-24 was employed in operations in every combat theater during World War II. Because of its great range, it was particularly suited for such missions as the famous raid from North Africa against the oil industry at Ploesti, Romania, on Aug. 1, 1943. This feature also made the airplane suitable for long over-water missions in the Pacific Theater. More than 18,000 Liberators were produced.

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Span: 110 ft.

Length: 66 ft. 4 in.

Height: 17 ft. 11 in.

Weight: 56,000 lbs. loaded

Armament: 11 .50-cal. machine guns [nose, left & right cheek, top turret (2), ball turret (2), left and right waist and tail (2)] plus a normal maximum load of 8,000 lbs. of bombs

Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830s of 1,200 hp each

Cost: $336,000

Serial number: 42-72843

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum speed: 303 mph

Cruising speed: 175 mph

Range: 2,850 miles

Service ceiling: 28,000 ft.