Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
| PB4Y-2/P4Y-2 Privateer | |
|---|---|
| U.S. Navy PB4Y-2 from VP-23 in flight. | |
| General information | |
| Type | Maritime patrol bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Consolidated Aircraft |
| Primary users | United States Navy |
| Number built | 739 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1943–1945 |
| Introduction date | 1943 |
| Retired | 1954, U.S. Navy 1958, U.S. Coast Guard |
| Developed from | Consolidated B-24 Liberator |
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 navalized design was desired, and Consolidated developed a dedicated long-range patrol bomber with tests begun in 1943, designated PB4Y-2 Privateer. The first version of the Privateer flew in September 1943 with production versions arriving in March 1944. In 1951, the type was redesignated P4Y-2 Privateer. A further designation change occurred in September 1962, when the remaining US Navy Privateers (all having previously been converted to drone configuration as P4Y-2K) were redesignated QP-4B.