The Consolidated PBY Catalina, also known as the Canso in Canadian service, was an American flying boat, and later an amphibious aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War II. Catalinas served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other nations.
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 notorious aircraft of its kind and the last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980s. In 2014, nearly 80 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a water bomber (or airtanker) in aerial firefighting operations all over the world.
Features
Fully engraved panel lines and rivet details
Detailed seats, bulkheads, instrument panel with decal bulkheads
Accurately reproduced engines and cowlings, optional front gun turrets
Detailed wing tip floats and retraction mechanism
Bomb ordnance and radar antennae included