PBY-5A Catalina

The PBY‑5A Catalina, built by Consolidated Aircraft, was a versatile amphibious flying boat that served from the late 1930s through the post‑war era. First flown in 1935 as the PBY‑1, the design quickly evolved; the PBY‑5 introduced a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine and larger fuel capacity, while the -5A variant added retractable tricycle landing gear, allowing operation from both water and conventional runways. Over 3,300 Catalinas were produced for the United States Navy, Army Air Forces, and numerous allied forces during World War II. Its long range of up to 2,520 miles, endurance of over 15 hours, and generous payload made it ideal for maritime patrol, anti‑submarine warfare, search‑and‑rescue, and transport missions. The aircraft’s high wing, spacious hull, and defensive armament of up to eight .50‑caliber machine guns gave it a distinctive silhouette that became synonymous with the Pacific theatre. Beyond combat, the Catalina rescued countless downed airmen and shipwreck survivors, earning the nickname “Catalina Angel.” Its robust design and adaptability influenced post‑war amphibious aircraft and cemented its legacy as one of the most important multi‑role aircraft in aviation history.

Consolidated Aircraft

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