Lonnie Ortega Aviation Art

P

rint Size 8½"x 11" ~ Unlimited print edition

The Consolidated PBY Catalina was an American flying boat of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War II. PBYs served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other nations. In the United States Army Air Forces and later in the United States Air Force their designation was OA-10. A Canadian-built PBY is called a Canso.

During World War II, PBYs were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escorts, search and rescue missions (especially air-sea rescue), and cargo transport. The PBY was the most successful aircraft of its kind; no other flying boat was produced in greater numbers. The last active military PBYs were not retired from US Military service in 1957, but served with allied air forces & navies until the 1980s. Today, over 85 years after its first flight, the PBY continues to fly around the world in general aviation, and as an active Warbird.

PBY-6A

Amphibious version with two 1,200 hp (890 kW) R-1830-92 engines and a taller fin and rudder. Radar scanner fitted above cockpit and two 0.5 in (12.7 mm) nose guns; 175 built including 21 transferred to the Soviet Navy.