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.
Variants
YPB4Y-2
Prototypes.
PB4Y-2
Main production version.
PB4Y-2B
PB4Y-2s equipped to launch ASM-N-2 Bat air-to-surface missiles.
Redesignated P4Y-2B in 1951.
PB4Y-2M
PB4Y-2s converted for weather reconnaissance. Redesignated P4Y-2M in 1951.
PB4Y-2S
PB4Y-2s equipped with anti-submarine radar.
Redesignated P4Y-2S in 1951.
PB4Y-2G
PB4Y-2s converted for air-sea rescue and weather reconnaissance duties with the U.S. Coast Guard. Redesignated P4Y-2G in 1951.
PB4Y-2K
PB4Y-2s converted to target drones.
Redesignated P4Y-2K in 1951 and QP-4B in 1962.
Specifications
Crew
11
Length
74 ft 7 in (22.73 m)
Wingspan
110 ft 0 in (33.53 m)
Height
30 ft 1 in (9.17 m)
Wing area
1,048 sq ft (97.4 m2)
Empty weight
27,485 lb (12,467 kg)
Max take-off weight
65,000 lb (29,500 kg)
Powerplant
4 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-94 radial engines,
1,350 hp (1,007 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed
300 mph (482 km/h, 261 kn)
Cruise speed
175 mph (282 km/h, 152 kn)
Range
2,820 mi (4,540 km, 2,450 nmi)
Service ceiling
21,000 ft (6,400 m)
Wing loading
62 lb/sq ft (300 kg/m2)
Armament
Guns
12 × .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns in six turrets
Bombs
Up to 12,800 lb (5,800 kg) of bombs, mines or torpedoes.
