Consolidated PBY-2 Catalina

The Consolidated PBY‑2 Catalina, produced by Consolidated Aircraft in the late 1930s, was the first production version of the famed amphibious flying boat that would become a workhorse of World War II. First flown in 1935, the PBY‑2 incorporated a Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radial engine, a high‑mounted gull wing, and a retractable wing‑tip float that allowed water landings while retaining aerodynamic efficiency in the air. With a maximum speed of about 180 mph, a range exceeding 2,500 miles and the capacity to carry up to 4,000 lb of torpedoes, depth charges or supplies, the Catalina excelled in maritime patrol, anti‑submarine warfare, search‑and‑rescue and convoy escort duties. Its rugged aluminum hull and enclosed crew stations provided durability in harsh ocean environments, while the large side windows and aft‑mounted cockpit gave excellent visibility for spotting surface contacts. Over 3,300 Catalinas of various marks were built, serving Allied navies and air forces across the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean theaters. The PBY‑2’s versatility and reliability cemented its reputation as one of the most successful flying boats ever, influencing post‑war amphibious aircraft design and preserving a legacy of lifesaving and combat achievements.

Consolidated Aircraft

Consolidated PBY-2 Catalina

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification