Consolidated PBY Catalina

The PBY Catalina is a twin-engine flying boat developed by Consolidated Aircraft in the 1930s. Used in large numbers by the US Navy and Allied forces during World War II, it flew long-range maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and transport missions. The amphibious PBY-5A added retractable landing gear, allowing it to operate from both water and land runways. Thanks to its excellent range and reliability, the Catalina became one of the most produced and iconic flying boats of the war, and a few airworthy examples still appear at airshows around the world.