Consolidated C-87 Liberator Express

The Consolidated C‑87 Liberator Express was a cargo‑transport derivative of the famous B‑24 Liberator heavy bomber, built by Consolidated Aircraft during World War II. First flown in 1942, the C‑87 entered service in 1944 to meet the U.S. Army Air Forces’ need for long‑range, high‑capacity freight aircraft that could operate from distant airfields. By removing armament, shortening the nose and installing a large, reinforced cargo hatch, the design could carry up to 18,000 lb of equipment, vehicles, ammunition, or mail, and it featured a spacious cabin that accommodated up to 20 passengers on less‑urgent missions. Powered by the same four Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radial engines as the bomber, the C‑87 retained the Liberator’s high cruise speed of around 300 mph and a range exceeding 3,000 miles, allowing nonstop trans‑Atlantic and Pacific supply runs. Although early models suffered reliability problems and lacked defensive armament, the aircraft proved crucial for the logistical buildup of bases in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific, and later served the CIA’s covert “Air America” operation. The C‑87 demonstrated the adaptability of bomber airframes for transport roles, influencing post‑war designs such as the C‑119 Flying Boxcar and establishing a template for strategic air‑lift.

Consolidated Aircraft

Consolidated C-87 Liberator Express

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification