The PBY (In the acronym PBY, PB' stands for
'Patrol Bomber', and 'Y' is the code for the Consolidated Aircraft
Co.) was first flown in 1935, and its flexibility, safety over water
and long range made it ideal for multi-purpose roles particularly
throughout the Philippines, where airfields were few. It was not
fast (it cruised typically at 110 knots) but it was graceful and had
extraordinary long legs.
During the siege of Corregidor,
the PBY would be used from Australia for the delivery of critically
needed supplies (AA fuzes) and to rescue personnel.
Photo - year
unknown but mostlikely 1937. |