The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was almost certainly the most versatile Second World War Bomber. Apart from its bombing role in all theatres of operation, the B-24 hauled fuel to France during the push towards Germany, carried troops, fought U-boats in the Atlantic and, probably most important of all, made a vital contribution towards winning the war in the Pacific. Its most famous single exploit is possibly the raid on the Ploesti oilfields in August 1943. The B-24 ended World War Two as the most produced Allied heavy bomber in history, and the most produced American military aircraft at over 18000 units, thanks in large measure to Henry Ford and the harnessing of American industry. It still holds the distinction as the most produced American military aircraft. The B-24 was used by several Allied air forces and navies, and by every branch of the American armed forces during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the Western European, Pacific, Mediterranean and China-Burma-India theatres. This book focuses on the design, engineering, development and tactical use of the many variants throughout the bombers service life. The book is enlivened by the many dramatic photographs which feature, and this coupled with the clarity of Simons' prose makes for an engaging and entertaining history of this iconic Allied bomber, a key component in several of their biggest victories and a marvel of military engineering.
The B-24 ended World War II as the most-produced Allied heavy bomber in history and the most-produced American military aircraft, with over 18,000 produced. This book focuses on the design, construction, development and tactical use of the numerous variants throughout the bomber's life.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Simmons, Graham M.
Title
Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Details
English text, paperback, 250 bw-photos. 256 pages.
State
new
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Church Street 47 S70 2AS South Yorkshire Vereinigtes Königreich