11-13-2011, 02:18 PM
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Approved Member
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 242
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More produced than the B-17,but never as popular..
Quote:
Often compared with the better-known B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 was a more modern design with a higher top speed, greater range, and a heavier bomb load; however, it was also more difficult to fly, with heavy control forces and poor formation-flying characteristics. Popular opinion among aircrews and general staffs tended to favor the B-17's rugged qualities above all other considerations in the European Theater.
The placement of the B-24's fuel tanks throughout the upper fuselage and its lightweight construction, designed to increase range and optimize assembly line production, made the aircraft vulnerable to battle damage.
The B-24 was notorious among American aircrews for its tendency to catch fire. Moreover, its high fuselage-mounted "Davis wing" also meant it was dangerous to ditch or belly land, since the fuselage tended to break apart.
Nevertheless, the B-24 provided excellent service in a variety of roles thanks to its large payload and long range.
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Last edited by the Dutchman; 11-13-2011 at 02:22 PM.
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