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The big and complicated B-24 was the most built US aircraft of WWII and was employed in operations in every combat theater during the war. The B-24 was more difficult to fly than the B-17,especially at high altitude. Although it was designed later than the B-17, it did not have much better performance, but it was efficient and had longer range, due to the slender 'Davis' wing. Because of its great range, it was particularly suited for such missions as the famous raid from North Africa against the oil industry at Ploesti, Rumania, Aug. 1, 1943. Its range also made it much in demand for naval patrol tasks. The B-17 was often claimed to be sturdier and more reliable, but the B-24 actually suffered fewer losses. Some Liberators were stripped of their equipment and armament and used as transports called CB-24. 19256 built.