R2Y Liberator Liner
A Consolidated R2Y-1 in Navy markings.
Role Prototype military transport aircraft
and Prototype cargo aircraft
Manufacturer Consolidated Aircraft
First flight 15 April 1944
Status Experimental
Primary users United States Navy
American Airlines
Number built 1
Developed from Consolidated B-24 Liberator

The Consolidated R2Y "Liberator Liner" (Consolidated Model 39) was an airliner derivative of the B-24 Liberator built for the United States Navy by Consolidated Aircraft.

Development and service

The XR2Y-1, as the single prototype was known in Navy service, used the high-aspect wing and tricycle landing gear of the Liberator. The fuselage was an entirely new design, and the vertical stabilizer was taken from the PB4Y Privateer.[1] The final design looked much like a smaller, high-wing Boeing B-29 Superfortress, but with windows for passengers.

The aircraft was meant to carry passengers or cargo to distant Navy bases, but after a brief evaluation the prototype was demilitarized in the mid-1940s, returned to Convair, and leased to American Airlines as a freighter with the name "City of Salinas".[2]

Specifications (R2Y-1)

Consolidated XR2Y-1 3-view drawing from Les Ailes February 22, 1947

Data from Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: unknown
  • Capacity:
    • 48 passengers
    • Their baggage
    • 1,200 lb (550 kg) of mail
    • 12,000 lb (5,500 kg) of cargo (after refit)
  • Length: 90 ft 0 in (27.45 m)
  • Wingspan: 110 ft 0 in (33.55 m)
  • Airfoil: Davis (22% at root to 9.3% at wingtip)
  • Gross weight: 56,000 lb (25,000 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 64,000 lb (29,000 kg)
  • Powerplant: 4 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-94 radial engines, 1,200 hp (900 kW) each

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 240 mph (380 km/h, 210 kn)
  • Range: 4,000 mi (6,400 km, 3,500 nmi) at 200 mph (322 km/h)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. 1 2 Bridgeman, Leonard. "The Consolidated Vultee Model 39." Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Studio, 1946. p. 217. ISBN 1 85170 493 0.
  2. ↑ John Wegg, General Dynamics Corporation. General Dynamics aircraft and their predecessors.
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