B-24D in flight
The B-24D Liberator represents a significant phase in the development and mass production of the Liberator series during World War II. Here’s a detailed overview of its features, production history, and changes:
B-24D Features and Armament
Engines and Propellers:
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43 engines.
- Propellers: 11 ft 7 in diameter Hamilton Standard propellers.
Armament:
- Nose: Initially fitted with a single .50-caliber gun in a ball socket.
- Tunnel Gun: Replaced by a remote-control Bendix belly turret with two .50-caliber guns starting with the 77th B-24D (serial 41-11587). This turret was inadequate due to its difficulty in use, including aiming through a periscope and issues like vertigo and nausea for the gunner.
- Production Revision: After 287 B-24Ds, the Bendix turret was removed, and the tunnel gun was reintroduced.
- Later Improvements: From B-24D 42-41164, the Sperry ball turret, built by Briggs, was installed. This turret could retract into the fuselage, had a 360-degree rotation capability, and could elevate from zero to 90 degrees. This upgrade greatly improved the aircraft’s defensive capability.
- Nose Armament: Two additional .50-cal guns were added to the nose in socket mounts, though this still proved inadequate against determined head-on attacks.
Production History
Initial Production and Speed-Up:
- Commencement: The B-24D was the first mass-produced version of the Liberator, with deliveries starting in late January 1942.
- Production Ramp-Up: The urgency of the war led to accelerated production rates.
Production Facilities:
- San Diego: The original production site, where B-24D production began. The first 287 units included the Bendix turret.
- Fort Worth, Texas: Production started in May 1942 at Consolidated’s new facility. The 303 Fort Worth B-24Ds did not include the ball turret, showing variations in Liberator production.
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: Douglas facility began assembling B-24Ds from components in July 1942. Only ten B-24Ds were assembled here.
Production Numbers:
- San Diego: Contributed 2,381 B-24Ds.
- Fort Worth: Produced 303 B-24Ds.
- Tulsa: Produced 10 B-24Ds.
- Total Production: 2,696 B-24Ds.