Consolidated Aircraft was an American aircraft manufacturer founded in 1923, known for producing military and civilian aircraft. The company gained prominence during World War II, particularly for its design and production of the B-24 Liberator, a heavy bomber that became one of the most widely used aircraft of the war. After the war, Consolidated Aircraft merged with Vultee Aircraft in 1943 to form Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation, which later became part of General Dynamics. The company continued to innovate, contributing to various aircraft designs, including the Convair 880 and Convair 990 commercial jets.