The Consolidated PBY "Catalina" was a true workhorse for the US Navy during WWII. Designed in the mid-1930s, the Navy was fortunate to have this incredible aircraft at it's disposal. From 1936 to 1945, 3,308 of the type were built by the United States, Canada and believe it or not, the Soviet Union. With a range of over 2,500 miles it was able to patrol the far flung expanses of both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans where It performed vital reconnaissance, dropped anti-shipping mines, rescued sailors and downed airman, and attacked enemy ships. The PBY even scored the first US Navy aerial victory in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Later in life, some of these aircraft soldiered on doing fire fighting duty. I had the distinct pleasure of watching "Princess of the Stars" fly at the 2023 Oregon Air Show. It was the first time I've ever seen one fly and I was thrilled.
Talley ho!
Steve