Regarded as the most iconic flying boat ever to enter mass production, the PBY Catalina from the 1930s to the 1950s may soon reappear in the skies. The company Catalina Aircraft is looking to release a modernized version of this beloved aircraft, which played a notable role during World War II.
The Florida-based company Catalina, holding type certificates for the PBY-5A Catalina from both US and Canadian civil aviation regulators, intends to announce this exciting venture on July 25 at the AirVenture Oshkosh air show in Wisconsin.
The Modernized PBY Catalina
Dubbed as the Next-Generation Amphibious Aircraft (NGAA) Catalina II, the updated flying boat is sure to stir excitement among aviation enthusiasts. Lawrence Reece, the president of Catalina, stated, “Interest in the rebirth of this legendary amphibian has been extraordinary.” He goes on to emphasize the unique capabilities and potential market segments this modernized platform offers, underlining the enduring legacy of the Catalina product line.
The new model promises to integrate modern engines and avionics, equipping the aircraft with capabilities unparalleled by other amphibians in the current market. While the company hasn’t disclosed the pricing or confirmed orders yet, they do anticipate the first deliveries by 2029.
The Catalina’s Illustrious History
The original Catalina secured its first order from the US Navy (USN) in 1935, marking the production of 60 PBY-1s for maritime patrol, search and rescue, and bombing missions. Initial models boasted two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-64 piston engines. Other US operators included the US Coast Guard and the US Army Air Corps.
The PBY Catalinas, totaling 3,276 in number, served in wartime efforts with the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia, in addition to the USA. The PBYs were instrumental in disrupting German U-boat operations in the Atlantic during World War II and spotting the Japanese naval fleet en route to the Midway islands. This discovery led to one of the most decisive battles in the Pacific theatre.
Pan American World Airways and Australian carrier Qantas were among several airlines to operate Catalina flying boats. Between 1943 to 1945, Qantas utilized the type for weekly nonstop flights from Perth to Colombo in Sri Lanka. With an average speed of 110kt (203km/h), these flights spanned up to 32 hours, making them the longest-duration commercial routes of their time, as per the Catalina Preservation Society.
The Future of PBY Catalina
While no PBYs remain in active military or commercial service according to Cirium data, Catalina Aircraft has been maintaining the airworthiness of legacy Catalinas globally for over a decade.
Their senior management team has recently decided to restart production, inspired by the positive interest from governments, militaries, agencies, and commercial operators. The NGAA Catalina IIs aim to operate from oceans, rivers, and lakes, and from tarmac, dirt, and grass runways.
Anticipating the modern requirements, the company assures that the civilian variant of the NGAA Catalina II will carry 34 passengers or 5,443kg of cargo and have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 14,515kg (32,000lb). The military version, on the other hand, will allow for a higher MTOW of 18,143kg.
Catalina Aircraft is charting a promising future for the revered PBY Catalina, poised to once again make a significant mark on aviation history.
Source: FlightGlobal
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