Consolidated B-24A Liberator Ol 927

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, built by Consolidated Aircraft. It was produced in greater numbers than any other... more

by Arthur Eggers

Title

Consolidated B-24A Liberator Ol 927

Artist

Arthur Eggers

Medium

Digital Art - Color Print

Description

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, built by Consolidated Aircraft. It was produced in greater numbers than any other American combat aircraft of World War II and still holds the record as the most produced U.S. military aircraft. It was used by many Allied air forces and every U.S. branch of service during the war, attaining a distinguished war record with its operations in the northern European, Pacific and Mediterranean theaters. The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) took delivery of their first B-24As in
1941. Like the British, they used them as transports first. American B-24s entered combat in June 1942. On June 6, in the Pacific, four B-24s staging through Midway, tried to attack Wake Island. On 12 June, 13 B-24s flying from Egypt attacked the Axis-controlled oil fields and refineries around Ploiesti, Romania. Over the next three years, B-24 squadrons deployed to all theaters of the war: Africa, Europe, India, the Atlantic, and the Pacific. In the Pacific, the B-24 was designated the standard heavy bomber to simplify logistics, replacing the
shorter-range B-17. During the war, "Ol' 927", as she was known by her crews, flew scheduled runs between San Diego, Fort Worth, New York, and Washington D.C. For six months she served Consolidated by carrying critically needed parts between San Diego and the Fort Worth plant. At the end of the war she was sold to Continental Can Company and after receiving a well-appointed interior, was flown as an executive aircraft for about 10 years. She was then sold to Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), an oil company in Mexico, and made many trips through Central America and to the U.S. In 1969 the aircraft was purchased by the Commemorative Air Force. In 1971 she was painted in the colors and makings of the 98th Bomb Group, Pyramiders of the 9th Air Force in North Africa and was named "Diamond Lil". A major conversion project began in 2006, to restore her to her original 1941 B-24A bomber configuration; plus factory camouflage paint scheme and new "Ol' 927" nose art. Her permanant home is Midland, TX and is touring out of Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Addison, TX. "Ol' 927" is operated and maintained by volunteers and donations. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. Licensed by the CAF.

Uploaded

December 12th, 2010