Consolidated PBY Catalina
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was the most widely produced flying boat of World War II and one of the most versatile aircraft of the conflict. First flown in 1935, this twin-engine patrol bomber served the U.S. Navy and Allied air forces in nearly every theater. Catalinas flew long over-water patrols, hunted submarines, escorted convoys, attacked shipping, and conducted countless air-sea rescues that saved thousands of downed airmen.
A PBY first spotted the Japanese fleet approaching Midway, and others shadowed the German battleship Bismarck. Roughly 3,300 were built in North America, with more produced under license in the Soviet Union. Slow but extremely long-ranged and dependable, the Catalina remained in service well after the war in both military and civilian roles, including aerial firefighting.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Consolidated Aircraft
- Type
- Patrol bomber flying boat
- Crew
- 8-10
- First Flight
- 1935
- Powerplant
- 2 x 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radials
- Max Speed
- 196 mph
- Range
- 2,520 mi
- Service Ceiling
- 15,800 ft
- Length
- 63 ft 10 in
- Wingspan
- 104 ft
- Loaded Weight
- 35,420 lb (max)