The Consolidated B-24 Liberator: Reuben Fleet, the Factories, and the Product

A comprehensive history of the B—24 Liberator, its designer Reuben Fleet, and its mass production during World War II.

In the first of his massive two volume B—24 Liberator set, Dr. Wolf presents a meticulously researched, truly ultimate look at the B—17’s stablemate from the drawing board to its emergence as America’s preeminent blue—collar bomber. In addition to his personal 25,000—book library and microfilm collection, the author made extensive use of the massive document and photo collections at the NMUSAF, the Pima Aerospace Museum; and Consolidated and Ford Company design and production information. Described is the role of aviation icon, Reuben Fleet, for his and Consolidated’s contribution to the development of Liberator in context of American military and commercial aviation industry. The design evolution of the Liberator and the Davis Wing are highlighted. Since the B—24 was ultimately manufactured by five different factories, primarily Consolidated and Ford, using different manufacturing technics, these are described, contrasted, and pictured in detail. The Ford Knock Down Kits, their manufacture and transport are detailed for the first time. The final section of the book describes the various B—24 models and variants along with detailing today’s surviving B—24s. This book and Volume 2 intends to be the definitive look at the Liberator detailing every facet for the air enthusiast, historian, and modeler.