Consolidated Aircraft
PBY Catalina
SeaplaneWWIIUnited States
Quick Facts
- Role
- Seaplane
- Manufacturer
- Consolidated Aircraft
- Nation
- United States
- Era
- World War II
- Produced
- 3,305
Aircraft Description
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was the most widely used maritime patrol aircraft of World War II. It served with every branch of the US military and with numerous Allied nations. Catalinas located the Japanese fleet before the Battle of Midway, rescued countless downed airmen, and conducted nighttime torpedo attacks as "Black Cats." Its endurance of over 24 hours made it indispensable for ocean patrol.
Specifications
- Crew
- 10
- Length
- 19.47 m
- Wingspan
- 32 m
- Height
- 6.43 m
- Wing Area
- 130 m²
- Max Speed
- 315 km/h
Production & Service
- Number Built
- 3,305
- First Service
- 1936
- Last Built
- 1945
- Retired
- 1957
- Status
- Retired