Consolidated B-24M

The -M model was the last production version in the B-24 series. It was essentially an -L model with some additional weight saving features. The tail turret was standardized to the the lightweight power operated A-6B type. The enclosed waist gunner positions of the B-24L were changed back to open positions on the -M. The cockpit canopy was modified on late model B-24Ms by adding a 'knife-edge' dual pane front wind screen. This change gave the pilots much better visibility.

More than 2,500 B-24Ms were built at Consolidated's San Diego plant and Ford's Willow Run facility between December 1944 and June 1945. Because the war was over in Europe and nearly over in the Pacific at the end of the production run, some late model B-24Ms were scrapped with only ferry time between the assembly plant and the scrap yard.

TYPE
B-24M

Number Built/Converted
2,593

• Serial numbers: 44-41390 to 44-41806; 44-49002 to 44-50251
• Consolidated built 916 aircraft at its San Diego plant.
• Ford built 1,677 aircraft at its Willow Run plant.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 110 ft. 0 in.
Length: 67 ft. 2 in.
Height: 18 ft. 0 in.
Weight: 64,500 lbs. maximum weight
Armament: Ten .50-cal. and 12,800 lbs. of bombs
Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-65 supercharged radials of 1,200 hp. each (take-off power)
Crew: Ten

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 300 mph.
Cruising speed: 215 mph.
Range: 3,700 miles (max. ferry range); 2,100 miles with 5,000 lbs. of bombs
Service Ceiling: 28,000 ft.