Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
The Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer is an American World War II and Korean War era patrol bomber of the United States Navy derived from the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. The Navy had been using B-24s with only minor modifications as the PB4Y-1 Liberator, and along with maritime patrol Liberators used by RAF Coastal Command this type of patrol plane was proven successful. A fully navalised design was desired, and Consolidated developed a dedicated long-range patrol bomber in 1943, designated PB4Y-2 Privateer. In 1951, the type was redesignated P4Y-2 Privateer. A further designation change occurred in September 1962, when the remaining Navy Privateers (all having previously been converted to drone configuration as P4Y-2K) were redesignated QP-4B.
PB4Y-2/P4Y-2 Privateer | |
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U.S. Navy PB4Y-2 from VP-23 in flight. | |
Role | Maritime patrol bomber |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Consolidated Aircraft |
Introduction | 1943 |
Retired | 1954, U.S. Navy 1958, U.S. Coast Guard |
Primary users | United States Navy United States Coast Guard |
Produced | 1943–1945 |
Number built | 739 |
Developed from | Consolidated B-24 Liberator |