Catalina Flying Boat

Image from the 2016 Old Buckenham Air Show.

The Consolidated Catalina was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War 2, serving in every branch of the U.S. Military. They did just about everything, from submarine hunting & bombing to cargo transport and, perhaps most vitally, search and rescue.

This latter role helped ensure this 10 ton, 2,400 hp monster continues to be held in great affection.

The end of the War did not signal the end of the Catalina. Today, 81 years after it first flew, the Catalina is still saving lives as a fire-fighting aircraft.