Consolidated PBY Catalina by Stewart Wilson

The Consolidated Catalina flying boat and amphibian is properly recognised as being one of the great aircraft of the World War II era. The most widely-used flying boat of the war, the Catalina operated on all front between 1939 and 1945 in a wide variety of offensive and secondary roles including antisubmarine, air-sea rescue, minelaying, bombing and transport. In the latter role, many of the 3290 built by the parent company and its licencees also saw extensive service in commercial operations and even in the early 21st century, some are still used as firebombers and survey aircraft.

The Royal Australian Air Force operated 168 Catalinas between 1941 and 1950, flown by four operational squadrons and several air-sea rescue flights. Their exploits became the stuff of legend, especially the 'Black Cat' minelaying operations which extended as far as the Chinese coast and covered just about every enemy-held port in the South West Pacific Area.

This book covers the development and general history of the Catalina and its acquisition and operation by the RAAF. Its use as a transport by Qantas is also covered and a table listing each RAAF aircraft individually notes serial number, date of delivery, version and eventual fate. Some 60 illustrations support the text including new colour profiles by Juanita Franzi.