Consolidated PBY Catalinas were frequently seen in Male’ harbour during the Second World War. It can fly for over 20 hours. Mr Ameen Didi travelled in it frequently between Male’ and Ceylon. This is one of the most popular sea planes ever built. Some 3000 were built, though the record for the most popular sea plane would go to Consolidated Liberator. More than six times as many Liberators were built as Catalinas.
Over the years, I have studied the design of Catalina and almost all the other seaplanes since second world war for inspiration to build a WIG craft. Here are some detailed photos of Catalinas with dimensions. These photos are useful for future designers and not easy to find. The copyright of the photographs are held by the owner.
