- quality wooden model WWI and WWII airplanes -
- quality wooden model WWI and WWII airplanes -
PB4Y-2 Privateer
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Scale 1:60 Length 15.5" Wingspan 21.75"
Photography by Action Asia Photo |
The PB4Y-2 resulted from the US Navy's desire to improve on the twin-tailed PB4Y-1, which was a derivative of the legendary B-24 Liberator bomber. The PB4Y-1 had been serving in the Atlantic and Pacific on long range anti-shipping patrols since late 1942 and had performed well. However, it had never really been designed for maritime use. Realizing that patrol operations were flown almost exclusively at low levels, the manufacturer - Consolidated-Vultee - performed major modifications to the basic Liberator airframe in 1943. While retaining the long narrow Davis wing and fuselage shape of the PB4Y-1 (and the B-24), Consolidated replaced the twin tail with a single vertical stabilizer. The heavy turbo-superchargers needed for high altitude were removed and gave a great saving in weight. To ease pilot fatigue during lengthy missions, the fuselage was lengthened by 7 feet to accommodate an additional crewmember. Armament was re-configured to include Consolidated nose and tail turrets, two Martin dorsal turrets, and two ERCO blister type waist turrets on the fuselage sides - all containing .50 cal Browning machine guns. Deliveries of the new aircraft - christened "Privateer" - began in March 1944 with VB-118 and VB-119 being the first squadrons to be equipped with the new patrol bomber. The Privateer was used exclusively in the Pacific theatre where it was used primarily for patrol missions in support of amphibious operations during the latter stages of the Pacific war. The crew was typically 11 to 13 on these missions. No other Navy aircraft had the Privateer's range and versatility for these patrol missions. Privateers flew up to 16-hour missions in support of the invasion of Iwo Jima. They also performed a variety of other missions such as searching out and destroying enemy radar, radio/navigational stations, troop ships, sea and land targets and other targets of opportunity. They reported on weather, on enemy positions and actions, located downed airmen, and coordinated rescue operations. Many Privateers were outfitted as communications platforms and were operated as electronic countermeasures aircraft against enemy positions. PB4Y-2 production totaled 736 aircraft with some being acquired by the Nationalist Chinese, Honduran and French air forces. A small number of RY-3s (the transport version of the Privateer) were used by the US Navy and Royal Air Force. The PB4Y-2 Privateer was re-designated P4Y-2 in 1951 and Privateer operations continued after World War II with action in Korea and many hot spots of the Cold War. One PB4Y-2 was shot down by Soviet fighters over the Baltic Sea in 1950. Numerous Navy Privateers were converted for various other missions. The PB4Y-2M was a meteorological research version. The PB4Y-2P was a photographic reconnaissance version. The PB4Y-2S was an antisubmarine search version which carried additional radar, and the PB4Y-2K was a target drone version. In 1951, the Privateer was re-designated P4Y-2, P4Y-2B, and P4Y-2S depending on its function. During the early 1950s, Privateers from VP-23 flew hurricane-hunting missions out of Miami, Florida. The Coast Guard operated nine P4Y-2s out of bases at Barbers Point, Hawaii and San Francisco for search and rescue missions and weather reconnaissance. They were re-designated P4Y-2G for this role. The nose turret was replaced by a large glazing similar to that of the earlier Liberator bombers and the waist sponsons were deleted and replaced by large bay windows. The Privateer also played an important role in training. The P4Y-2 remained the primary Navy multi-engine training aircraft until the mid-1950s. The last US Navy Privateer - converted to a drone - was removed from service in 1964. Many Privateers continue operating in the civilian sector as water bombers. Crew:
Eleven
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