Consolidated (Ford) EZB-24M 44-51228 US Air Force

These are 1/72 scale decals for Consolidated (Ford) EZB-24M 44-51228, operated by the Wright Air Development Center (WADC), Aircraft Icing Research Laboratory, United States Air Force.

Built by Ford Motor Company at its Willow Run plant — one of the great industrial achievements of World War II — this B-24M Liberator survived the war and was converted into an EZB-24M permanent testbed for postwar research duties. The "EZ" prefix denoted a stripped and modified airframe permanently assigned to experimental and research work rather than combat or training roles.

At the Wright Air Development Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, this aircraft served the Aircraft Icing Research Laboratory — a critical postwar program dedicated to understanding and defeating the dangerous effects of airframe and engine icing on military aircraft. Ice accumulation on wings, control surfaces, and engines had been a deadly hazard throughout World War II, and WADC's icing research directly contributed to the development of de-icing and anti-icing systems that would protect the next generation of jet-powered Air Force aircraft through the Cold War era.

A fascinating and highly unusual postwar application of the legendary Liberator, and a standout subject for collectors interested in experimental and research aircraft. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.