United States' Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime patrol bomber, reconnaissance
Photos
Consolidated PB4Y Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
Consolidated PB4Y Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
Consolidated PB4Y Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
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Consolidated PB4Y-1 Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
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Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
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Consolidated RY-3 transport: |
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Consolidated PB4Y Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
Consolidated PB4Y Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime patrol bomber: |
Design
The Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer was based on the Consolidated B-24 Liberator and was to be used for long range maritime patrol for the United States Navy.1 These Privateers were to be equipped for antisubmarine warfare.2
Wings
The wings on the PB4Y-2s were the same as the B-24 Liberators.2
Engines
The engines in the PB4Ys didn't use the same turbochargers as the B-24 as the Privateer was to be primarily operated from lower altitudes.1
Prototype
A contract for three XPB4Y-2 prototypes was placed in May 1943.1 These were B-24Ds that were taken off the San Diego production line.1
The first prototype to fly was on September 19432 / September 20, 1943.1
Production
In October 1943 an order was placed for 660.1,2 In October 1944 another order for 710 was placed.1,2 When the war with Japan ended these contracts were cancelled.1
- Consolidated XPB4Y-2: 3 conversions1
- Consolidated PB4Y-2: 7361,2
- Consolidated RY-3: 461
- Total: 7821
Variants
- Consolidated XPB4Y-2: Prototype.1
- Consolidated PB4Y-2:
- Consolidated PB4Y-2B: Could carry two ASM-N-2 Bat air to surface glide bombs under the wings.1
- Consolidated RY-3: Transport.1
- Consolidated Liberator C.IX: United Kingdom's designation.1
Usage
United States Navy
The US Navy received delivery of the PB4Y-2s from March 1944 to October 1945.1 The United States Navy used 977 of the Privateers.2
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force received 27 PB4Ys in 1945 and called them the Liberator C.IX.1
Post World War II
The Privateers remained in service with the United States Navy into the 1950s.1,2 In 1951 they were designated the P4Y.1
Specifications
| Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer1,2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Maritime patrol bomber1, Reconnaissance2 |
| Crew | 9 - 101, 112 |
| Engine (Type) | 4: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-94 Twin Wasp1,2 |
| Cylinders | Radial 141,2 |
| Cooling | Air2 |
| HP | 1,350 each1,2 |
| Propeller blades | 3 each1 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 110'1,2 33.53 m1 |
| Length | 74' 7"1,2 22.73 m1 |
| Height | 30' 1"1,2 9.17 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 37,485 lb1 17,003 kg1 |
| Loaded | 65,000 lb1,2 29,484 kg1 |
| Maximum load | |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 13,750' | 237 mph2 |
| Speed @ 14,000' / 4,267 m |
247 mph1 397 kph1 |
| Cruising speed | 140 mph1 225 kph1 |
| Climb | 1,090'/minute1 332 m/minute1 |
| Service ceiling | 20,700'1,2 6,310 m1 |
| Range | 2,800 miles1,2 4,506 km1 |
| Armament | 12: MG2 12: 0.5" MG1 |
| Bombs | 10,400 lb2 |
| Bombs and depth charges | 6,000 lb1 2,722 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
