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B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator
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RVLS4529 B-24 Liberator 1/48 Scale $41.25 |
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The B-24 Liberator was the
greatest bomber used by the USAAF during World War II until end 1943.
Although it was often overshadowed by the B-17, the robust B-24 took
part in more actions and was operational on more fronts than any other
American bomber. It was also able to carry a much larger bomb load. It
made its maiden flight in December 1939. The aircraft owed its long
range to the inspired design of the wing. In addition the versatile B-24
was used as a long-range reconnaissance platform and as a transport.
While the initial versions were assigned for use in the Mediterranean
and Great Britain, a great demand also arose for long-range bombers in
the South Pacific, when the B-24 became the main tool of Allied
operations in the recapture of the islands. In 1943 the Liberator had
completely replaced the B-17 in the South Pacific. The B-24D was the
first mass-produced version of the Liberator. It had a glazed nose
section equipped with four .50 calibre machine guns. A total of 2,738 of
the B-24D were produced. Without doubt the best known mission of the
B-24D bombers was the strike against the Ploesti oil refineries in
Rumania. |
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