Basil Smith: Catalina PBY5A Seaplane

Artist: Basil Smith
1925 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1986
Image Size: 7 by 6 inches
Overall Size: 10 by 9 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

One of the most famous flying boats in the history of aviation was the Consolidated PBY Catalina, or "Cat" as it was often called. This type of aircraft saw more than thirty years of service in times of war and peace. Originally designed for the Navy, the PBY plane was built with its engines mounted high atop the wings to keep them out of the water spray. The plane was also noted for its unique stabilizing water floats which were designed to retract into the wingtips when the plane was in flight. During World War II, the PBY Catalina was used in reconnaissance, bomber, anti-submarine, and air-sea rescue missions. With its capability of landing on water and taking off quickly, the PBY Catalina was used to pick up pilots and crews who had been shot down. Air Force men affectionately called the big planes "Dumbos" after the friendly flying elephant of the Walt Disney cartoon. In the 1940s, the model PBY5A appeared with more powerful engines and some structural modifications. This model set many long distance records, with many planes flying more than 3,000 miles. in 1951, the Catalina PBY5A model was introduced to carry passengers and cargo. The main base of the PBY5A Seaplane was on the island of Guam where it remained in service until 1960.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Trains & Boats & Planes & More Collection Description Card for the Catalina PBY5A.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB10434

US$ Price: $950.00

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