Academy 1/72 PBY-5A Black Cat Catalina Kit

Model is supplied unassembled and requires additional paints and glue

Scale 1/72 PBY-5A Black Cat Catalina with Australian decals

History

The Consolidated PBY Catalina was an American flying boat, and later an amphibious aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War II. Catalinas served with in the air forces and navies of many nations.

During World War II, PBYs were used in anti submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escorts, search and rescue missions (especially air sea rescue), and cargo transport. The PBY was the most notorious aircraft of its kind and the last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980s.

In 2014, nearly 80 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a water bomber (or airtanker) in aerial firefighting operations all over the world.