Consolidated XB-41 Liberator
| XB-41 Liberator | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Bomber escort |
| Manufacturer | Consolidated Aircraft |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Forces |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Consolidated B-24 Liberator |
The Consolidated XB-41 Liberator was a single Consolidated B-24D Liberator bomber, serial 41-11822, which was modified for the long-range escort role for U.S. Eighth Air Force bombing missions over Europe during World War II.
Design and development
When the USAAF started strategic bombing in Europe there were no fighters available to escort the bombers all the way to distant targets. The bombers carried several defensive guns and formed up in boxes so that they could provide mutually covering fire but there was interest in providing more firepower for the formation. The XB-41 Liberator was outfitted with 14
The XB-41 carried 12,420 rounds of ammunition, 4,000 rounds of which were stored in the bomb bay as a reserve.
Operational history
On 29 January 1943, the sole XB-41 was delivered to
Specifications (XB-41)
Data from [citation needed]
General characteristics
- Crew: nine
- Length: 66 ft 4 in (20.22 m)
- Wingspan: 110 ft 0 in (33.54 m)
- Height: 17 ft 11 in (5.46 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 63,000 lb (28,576 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43 radial engines, 1,250 hp (934 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 289 mph (465 km/h, 251 kn)
- Range: 3,100 mi (4,989 km, 2,700 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 28,500 ft (8,689 m)
Armament
- Guns: 14× M2 Browning machine guns
See also
Related development
Related lists
- List of bomber aircraft
- List of military aircraft of the United States
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Andrade, John M. U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Earl Shilton, Leicester: Midland Counties Publications, 1979. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
- Birdsall, Steve. Log Of The Liberators. Garden City, New York: Doubleday and Company, 1973. ISBN 0-385-03870-4.
- Davis, Larry. B-24 Liberator in action. Aircraft in Action No. 80. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1987. ISBN 0-89747-190-3.