The PBY ‘Catalina’ was designed as a patrol bomber flying boat with a long range so that it can locate enemy transport ships and attack them, disrupting enemy supply lines.
The prototype XP3Y-1 had a parasol wing supported by external struts mounted over the fuselage.
The wingtips had floats which were streamlined when retracted for flight.
Construction was all aluminium stressed skin except the ailerons and wing trailing edge which were fabric covered.
The engines were 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-54 Twin Wasp radial engines mounted high on the wing leading edge.
The XP3Y had Navy service trials and proved to be an improvement on previous flying boats. After the trials the Navy requested various modifications to enable the aircraft to be designated as patrol bomber.
The aircraft had R-1830-64 engines fitted and a modified tail (preventing it getting submerged during take-off) and the aircraft was designated XPBY-1 and had its first flight on 19 May 1936.
The aircraft eventually was given the name ‘Catalina’ after Santa Catalina Island, California.
PRODUCTION
The Consolidated Catalina was produced between 1936 and 1945, with 3,308 aircraft built.
ARMAMENT
4 x Browning 0.3” machine guns
2,000 lb (907 kg) Bomb/Mine/Torpedo load
The XPBY-1 was delivered to Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11) in October 1936 and in early 1937 Patrol Squadron 12 (VP-12) was equipped.
The Catalina was used during WWII in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escort and Search & Rescue.
Although the Catalina’s were slow and ungainly, they distinguished themselves in World War II. Allied forces were able to use them successfully in a wide variety of roles for which the aircraft was never intended.
Catalina’s are remembered for their rescue role, in which they saved the lives of thousands of aircrew downed over water. Catalina airmen called their aircraft the "Cat" on combat missions and "Dumbo" in air-sea rescue service.
