What is PBY?
Patrol Bomber
PBY stands for Patrol Bomber, the “Y” simply denotes the manufacturer which was Consolidated Aircraft Co. The PBY was an incredibly versatile airplane that could land on both water and land runways. They could drop torpedoes, depth charges, and bombs, while defending themselves with multiple high-caliber machine guns.
Is the PBY Catalina still used?
The last military PBYs served until the 1980s. As of 2021, 86 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a waterbomber (or airtanker) in aerial firefighting operations in some parts of the world. None remain in military service.
How many PBY Catalinas are left?
There are only two surviving pure boat PBY-5s in the United States, both owned by the U.S. Navy.
What was the PBY Catalina used for?
The amphibious Consolidated PBY Catalina was a versatile, highly-effective military aircraft before, during and after WWII. They were used in anti-submarine warfare, bombing missions, convoy escort duties, search-and-rescue missions, and cargo transport.
What does PBY mean aircraft?
patrol bomber
PBY: Catalina Designated PBY-1, sixty of the aircraft were manufactured. For the PBY designation “PB” means patrol bomber, and “Y” was the code assigned to the manufacturer, Consolidated Aircraft. Throughout the late 1930s, modifications progressed in early 1940 to the PBY-5, used during World War II.
What kind of airplane is a PBY?
Patrol bomber
SPECIFICATIONS
| Manufacturer: | Consolidated Aircraft Corporation |
|---|---|
| Type: | Patrol bomber |
| Crew: | 7 to 9 |
| Dimensions: | Length: 63 ft. 10 in. Height: 18 ft. 6 in. Wingspan: 104 ft. Wing Area: 1,400 sq. ft. |
| Weight: | Empty: 17,526 lb. Gross: 34,000 lb. |
Can I buy a PBY Catalina?
Yes, you must be a member in good standing to join our volunteer community. Does TCPS plan on purchasing and operating an airworthy PBY Catalina? Yes, we are actively fundraising to purchase PBY Catalina C-FUAW from Pacific Flying Boats Ltd.
Why don’t we use flying boats?
The biggest single reason for the decline of flying boats was the proliferation of long runways during World War II. The infrastructure advantage of flying boats – the ability to operate heavy aircraft without long runways – was no longer relevant.
Who built the Catalina?
Consolidated Aircraft Corporation
SPECIFICATIONS
| Manufacturer: | Consolidated Aircraft Corporation |
|---|---|
| Crew: | 7 to 9 |
| Dimensions: | Length: 63 ft. 10 in. Height: 18 ft. 6 in. Wingspan: 104 ft. Wing Area: 1,400 sq. ft. |
| Weight: | Empty: 17,526 lb. Gross: 34,000 lb. |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 189 mph at 7,000 ft. Ceiling: 18,100 ft. Range: 2,990 miles |
Are there any PBYs still flying?
No. 2459 uniquely accounted for three destroyed U-Boats and one damaged that never sailed again — it is the only USN multiple U-Boat killer aircraft known. It is also the oldest surviving PBY Catalina and has survived as a flying aircraft since the end of the war.
Can you buy a PBY Catalina?
Yes, we are actively fundraising to purchase PBY Catalina C-FUAW from Pacific Flying Boats Ltd.
Was the PBY Catalina a bomber?
The PBY-5 and PBY-5A “Catalina” patrol-bomber aircraft successfully served during the Battle of Atlantic with some 20 German U-boats being destroyed, starting with German (Type XIV) U-boat, U-464, on August 20, 1942.