PB4Y-2 169034 on the flight line at San Diego in lane 1944. Note the B-24s under camouflage netting in the background.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated B-24H / B-24J Liberator - СШАUSA - 1943Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

'Zebra 483' on its hardstanding at the recently-constructed Pelilu airfield.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

The wing and the stowage of the main undercarriage give away the B-24 lineage of the PB4Y-2.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

Pelilu: Crew Chief Wilbert 'Mo' Mullinix works on ‘Zulu 483', standing on ‘the universal workbench' (the ever-present 55-gallon fuel drum). His assistant is bow gunner Albert Bagwell. In the background, in the shadow of the fuselage, is the precious toolbox, jettisoned on ‘Zulu 442's’ last mission.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

The crew waits for a ride to the barracks area on Tinian after a mission. The only member identified is the crew chief, Lester 'Mo' Mullinix, sitting under the antenna fairing. Notice the equipment lying about - parachutes, sleeping bags and personal gear - all essential as they never knew where they might land.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

Apache resting next to one of the main landing gears on ‘Zulu 483'. In the heat of the tropics, even a mascot appreciated a shady spot.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

VPB-108's squadron hardstandings on Tinian.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

Right tear turret gunner Robert Schroer with Apache. Note the absence of a seal in the opening on the tear turret.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

Jim Sutton beside his turret on 'Zulu 483'. The turret is in the nearly extreme down position which allowed the tear turrets to converge their fire 60ft below the aircraft, making a ball turret redundant. Note the two vents in the Plexiglas.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

On the huge ramp at San Diego, PB4Y-2 169035 showing off the complex double set of bomb doors.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

A fine pre-delivery photo of PB4Y-2 169051, dated July 1944. The 'tear' turret is shown to advantage - it was so named because its shape resembled a tear-drop.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

Interior arrangement of the PB4Y-2, from a manual provided by Earl Fankhanel.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943

Interior view of the defensive armour plating on the PB4Y-2 from a manual. The large fragment at the rear of the flight deck is the piece that came loose on ditching, temporarily pinning down radioman Lester Storms and injuring the dog Apache.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - СШАUSA - 1943