Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina
Serial Number:
L-866
Period: WWII
Collection Ref: 74/A/789
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, War Planes
The last version of the 'Cat' to be developed, the PBY
6A, amphibian, was the culmination of a design associated with some of
the most notable maritime air operations of the Second World War.
Initially designed to meet a pre war US Navy requirement for a new maritime
patrol aircraft, the prototype PBY 1 first took to the air on 21 March
1935. Subsequently, the PBY series of flying boats and amphibians were
built in greater numbers than any other aircraft of their type and used
by Air Forces and civilian operators around the world.
The Royal Air Force were assigned 602 PBY 5s and gave them the name later
adopted by the US Navy the Catalina. The Catalinas of RAF Coastal Command
played a key role in the Battle of the Atlantic, sinking a number of German
submarines. Beyond Europe, RAF and Commonwealth Catalinas patrolled the
Indian and Pacific Oceans and flew in support of the Allied landings in
North Africa.
Although phased out of service by the major combatants shortly after the
Second World War, Catalinas continued in widespread military and civilian
service for some years. Today, a small number of civilian Catalinas are
used as transports and fire fighting aircraft.
