Consolidated XB-41 Liberator
Consolidated Aircraft · United States · first flew 1943 · bomber
The Consolidated XB-41 was an experimental gunship escort conversion of the B-24D Liberator bomber, fitted with additional gun turrets and greatly increased ammunition capacity to provide close escort protection for bomber formations — the bomb bay being replaced entirely by ammunition storage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 20.22 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Gunship escort variant of the B-24 Liberator with additional gun turrets
- Twin-tail B-24 airframe with no bomb bay — replaced by extra ammunition
- Evaluated as a long-range escort for B-24 bomber formations
Externally similar to the B-24D Liberator but with additional gun turrets visible above and below the fuselage; the absence of bomb bay doors and the heavier armament characterise the conversion.
Specifications
- The Consolidated XB-41 Liberator has a length of 20.22 m (66 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 33.53 m (110 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 465 km/h (289 mph).
- Typical crew: 10.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
In 1942 the USAAF sought a dedicated bomber escort that could accompany formations over long distances when fighter escort range was insufficient. A single B-24D was converted to XB-41 standard with two power turrets, a new tail turret, and multiple waist guns, evaluated in early 1943. The concept proved flawed in practice.
Variants
Only one prototype was converted; the concept was abandoned after evaluation showed the XB-41 was too slow when unloaded to keep up with the B-24 formations it was meant to protect, and its range made it no better than existing fighters.
Where you'll see it
The XB-41 never entered service. The escort problem was solved instead by extending the range of conventional fighters, particularly the P-51 Mustang, which rendered the concept obsolete.
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