* In the mid-1930s, the Consolidated aircraft company introduced a new flying boat, the "PBY Catalina". While it was somewhat obsolescent when war came to the USA in late 1941, the Catalina proved an important weapon in the conflict, being built in large numbers, and serving with US as well as Allied forces. It remains in use even in the 21st century. This document provides a history and description of the Catalina -- as well as the Consolidated "PBY-2Y Coronado", a bigger and more advanced flying boat that was built in smaller numbers; and the postwar "Tradewind" turboprop flying boat, which was unsucessful. A list of illustration credits is included at the end.
