Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
The Liberator served the Navy well from 1943 to 1945, however, the Navy questioned the time and cost of modifying ex-Army B-24s for over-sea patrolling. In 1942, it was reasoned that the Liberator would be more stable with a single fin and In May 1943, the Navy contracted with Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Company for the new bomber.

At first, the aircraft was named the Sea Liberator. However, since approximately 50 percent of the bombers internal components were changed and the belly turret deleted, it was essentially a new model and was finally called the Privateer. In addition to the single fin, seven feet was added to the length, and two Martin upper turrets and twin Erco waist blisters were installed. Although the belly turret was deleted, the defensive armament of the Privateer was not diminished with it having twelve 50 caliber machine guns compared to ten on the Liberator.

Therefore, the PB4Y-2 was a heavily armed gun platform and could readily defend itself from fighter attack while unleashing punishing blows on Japanese shipping and shore installations. In April 1945, some Privateers were modified to carry the Bat and were designated as the PB4Y-2B. In January 1945, the first squadron outfitted with the Privateer arrived in the Pacific.