AIR FORCE 1 1/72 USAAF UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE CONSOLIDATED B-24D LIBERATOR 240563 “WONGO WONGO” (AF1-0157)

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator is an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and some initial production aircraft were laid down as export models designated as LB-30s.

At its inception, the B-24 was a modern design featuring a highly efficient shoulder-mounted, high aspect ratio Davis wing. The wing gave the Liberator a high cruise speed, long range and the ability to carry a heavy bomb load. Early RAF Liberators were the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean as a matter of routine. In comparison with its contemporaries the B-24 was relatively difficult to fly and had poor low speed performance; it also had a lower ceiling and was less robust than the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. While aircrews tended to prefer the B-17, General Staff favored the B-24, and procured it in huge numbers for a wide variety of roles. At approximately 18,500 units it hold the  records of the world’s most produced bomber, heavy bomber, multi-engine aircraft, and American military aircraft in history.

The B-24 was used extensively in World War II. It served in every branch of the American armed forces, as well as several Allied air forces and navies, and saw use in every theatre of operations. Along with the B-17, the B-24 was the mainstay of the U.S. strategic bombing campaign in Western Europe. Due to its range, it proved useful in bombing operations in the Pacific, including the bombing of Japan. Long range anti-submarine Liberators played an instrumental role in closing the Mid-Atlantic gap in the Battle of the Atlantic.

This aircraft was lost on the August 1,1943 low-level mission to bomb the oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania. The aircraft went out of control and crashed into the Mediterranean near the island of Corfu on the way to the target. All 10 crewmen were killed.

 

This model aeroplane is made from die-cast metal and plastic and include extensive detailing. It is similar in quality to Century Wings, Calibre Wings, Oxford, Hobbymaster and Forces of Valor.