The Consolidated Model 28, more commonly known as the PBY Catalina (U.S. Navy designation), is an American flying boat and amphibious aircraft designed by Consolidated Aircraft in the …

By the end of 1941, the Navy had 16 squadrons operating PBY-5s. At the same time, Consolidated introduced the amphibious PBY-5A. By then, the name Catalina, originated by …

Jul 13, 2025 · Recognized by its distinctive boat-shaped fuselage and high wing design, the PBY Catalina played a critical role during World War II and left a lasting legacy in aviation history.

Sometimes affectionately referred to as the “Pig Boat” by her crews, the PBY was defined by its outstanding range and endurance – but she was also incredibly slow, with a cruise speed of …

Mar 15, 2025 · The Consolidated PBY Catalina was a jack of all trades, used for roles it was never intended. It was a patrol bomber, rescued hundreds during search and rescue …

The PBY was the first production airplane with fuel storage in the wings. The PBY Catalina was originally a water-only flying boat, but later models became amphibious when hydraulic gear …

The RAF favoured flying boats for their longer range but did have to accept twelve PBY-5A aircraft (designated Catalina IIIA) under Lend-Lease. True to its tradition of shunning alphanumeric …

The Consolidated PBY Catalina was the U. S. Navy's most successful patrol flying boat of the war but naval aviators also used the PBY to attack ships at night, and to search for and rescue …

Oct 25, 2020 · THE CONSOLIDATED PBY was not one of the Second World War’s more glamorous warplanes; it was a slow and ungainly, twin-engine “ flying boat.” Yet despite its …

The design came out of a Navy competition for a flying boat suitable for patrolling the vast reaches of the Pacific. Consolidated based its design on the successful P2Y flying boat, and …