PBY Catalina

The Consolidated PBY Catalina is a flying boat and amphibious aircraft that was produced in the 1930s and 1940s.

The last military PBYs served until the 1980s. As of 2021, 86 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a waterbomber (or airtanker) in some parts of the world.

Australia has one Airworthy Catalina which is operated by the Historical Aircraft Association . https://hars.org.au/

In Australian service, the Catalina is best known for its service during WWII as ÔÇ£Black CatsÔÇØ and for flying the Qantas ÔÇ£Double SunriseÔÇØ service. In the role of the Black Cat, the Catalina operated from Australia into South-East Asia at low level at night, mining harbours and supporting ÔÇ£Z-ForceÔÇØ, the precursor to the SAS. As can be imagined, such operations were extremely dangerous.