PB4Y-2 Privateer / US Coast Guard

Consolidated PB4Y Coast Guard airplane model. During World War II, the B-24-derived PB4Y-1 Liberator (originally designed for the US Army Air Corps) had performed very well for the US Navy as a maritime patrol plane, but in 1943 it was decided to navalize the aircraft as a dedicated long-range patrol bomber. Three B-24s were taken off the assembly line and reconfigured with lengthened fuselages, greater defensive armament, modified engine cowlings and a distinctive, single vertical tail. The resulting aircraft was designated the PB4Y-2 Privateer. With its 2,800-mile range, the Privateer was so useful that in the Navy took delivery of 739 of them, though few reached front line service by VJ-Day.

The Privateer went on to perform great service in the Cold War as a radar and electronics-countermeasures platform, having been renamed the P4Y in 1951. Following service with the US Coast Guard, the aircraft was retired in the early 1960s, although a small number were used as fire-bombers in the United States until 2002.

Mahogany Wood. Wingspan 16 inches, Length 13 1/2 inches.