www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org - Naval Aviation Resource Center

Type: Maritime Patrol Bomber
Origin: Consolidated
Models: PB4Y-2 (P4Y-2)
Crew: Eleven
First Flight: XPB4Y-2: September 20, 1943
Service Delivery: July 1944
Final Delivery: September 1945
Production: 739

Powerplant:
Model: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-94 Twin Wasp
Type: 14-cylinder twin row radial engine
Number: Four
Horsepower: 1,200 hp

Dimensions:
Wing Span: 33.5m (110 ft.)
Length: 22.6m (74 ft.)
Height: 7.9m (26 ft.)
Wing Area: N/A

Weights:
Empty: 18,000 kg (41,000 lb)
Maximum: 29,484 kg (65,000 lb)

Performance:
Max. Speed: 399 km/h (247 mph)
Initial Climb: 800 ft/min (244m/min)
Service Ceiling: 5970m (19,500 ft.)
Range with max ordnance: 4230 km (2,630 miles)

Armament:
Consolidated Nose Turret with two 0.5 Browning MG
Consolidated Tail Turret with two 0.5 Browning MG
Two Martin Dorsal Turrets with two 0.5 Browning MG
Two Erco Waist Turrets with two 0.5 Browning MG Bomb Load:
6000 lb (2725 kg) of stores in internal bomb bay
PB4Y-2B: Two ASM-N-2 Bat Air to surface missiles and control equipment
Avionics:
N/A

Comments:
The result of a contract placed by the U.S. Navy in May 1943, the Privateer was developed by Convair (Consolidated Vultee Aircraft) from the B-24 Liberator. The first three prototypes were B-24D's that were removed from the San Diego assembly line and rebuilt with numerous airframe changes including a 7 ft longer fuselage. The most notable visual difference was the massive single fin tail, similar to that adapted to the final Liberator cargo version (C-87A).