Know as the Canso in Canada, the PBY was one of the most popular of the flying boats. The PBY served throughout WW II and was produced in the largest numbers of any other flying boat. There are likely still models of the Catalina Flying today.
The primary feature of the Catalina was the upper fuselage strut mounted cantilevered wing. Until this design most flying boats used a multitude of struts and braces to secure wing assemblies.
The Royal Netherlands Navy Air Force also used a lot of Catalinas. At the present time there are still two Catalinas in the Netherlands. One being restored to static condition and one in almost airworthy condition owned by Cat Air. Many Catalinas are also used in Spain as Water Bombers. (Thanks to Marc. for the information)
Specifications; Engines (two) Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Radials 894 kW. (1,200 hp.), Wing span; 31.7 m. (104' 0"), Length; 19.46 m. (63' 10") Maximum take-off weight; 16,066 kg. (35,420 lbs.), Maximum level speed; 282 km/h (175 mph.), Range; 3,782 km. (2,350 miles), Armament; (three) 0.30 machine guns and (two) 0.50 inch machine guns, plus provisions for up to 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs.) bombs.
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