Consolidated Liberator GR VIII

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Maritime Patrol
  • First Flight: December 29, 1939 (XB-24)
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

The Liberator was designed as a strategic bomber to augment the already existing Boeing B-17. Large numbers were produced and they flew effectively in all Second World War theatres. Though more vulnerable than the B-17, the Liberator had excellent load and long-range capabilities, which made it ideal for ocean patrol and anti-submarine duties. Those without armament were used as transports. A single-tailed patrol bomber version flew with the US Navy during the war.

The Liberator, with its long range, could provide convoy protection in mid-Atlantic where other land-based aircraft were not able to operate. This capability was instrumental in turning the tide against the U-Boats in the latter half of Second World War. Transport versions were operated from Ottawa, carrying mail, passengers, and VIPs between Canada and Europe.

In total, 18 481 Liberators were built. The Ford plant, at Willow Run, Michigan, produced one per hour.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 11130 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, United States
  • Manufacture Date: 1945
  • Construction #: Unknown
  • Aquisition Date: 1968
  • Provenance: Exchange with Indian Air Force

The Museum’s Liberator was built and delivered to the RAF in 1944. Abandoned in India after Second World War, it was refurbished and flown by the Indian Air Force before being donated to the Museum in exchange for a Westland Lysander. Flown to Canada in June 1968, it was officially handed over and subsequently refinished by No. 6 Repair Depot, RCAF.

Specifications

Wing Span:
33.5 m (110 ft)
Length:
20.5 m (67 ft 2 in)
Height:
5.5 m (18 ft)
Weight, Empty:
16,555 kg (36,500 lb)
Weight, Gross:
29,252 kg (64,500 lb)
Cruising Speed:
346 km/h (215 mph)
Max Speed:
483 km/h (300 mph)
Rate of Climb:
6,100 m (20,000 ft) / 25 min
Service Ceiling:
8,530 m (28,000 ft)
Range:
3,380 km (2,100 mi)
Power Plant:
four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-65 Twin Wasp, 1,200 hp, radial engines