History

historical description.

Versions.

description of versions

 

Technical Information Consolidated PBY-4 Catalina
March 02, 1942 the Americans left a PBY-4 (P-3) at Tjilatjap.
The RNlNAS (MLD) repaired the aircraft and it was flown to Australia.
It was returned to the US Navy March 07, 1942 (or handed over to RAAF?)
Dimensions:
Length: 19,47 m Wing span 31,72m
Height: 6,15 m Wing area: 130,6 m2
Weights:
Empty weight 7950 kg Max start weight: - kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 288 km/hr Cruising speed: 172 km/hr
Range: 4096 km Service ceiling: 4481 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-72 Twin Wasp rated 1050 hp each.
Crew: Seven men ?
Armament:  

 

Technical Information Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina
Dimensions:
Length: 19,84 m Wing span 31,72m
Height: 5,4 m Wing area: 129,3 m2
Weights:
Empty weight 7824 kg Max start weight: 15 424 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 304 km/hr Cruising speed: 185 km/hr
Range: 4810 km Service ceiling: 4481 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp rated 1200 hp each
Crew: Seven man
Armament: Four machine guns; 1814 kg bombs.

 

Technical Information Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Dimensions:
Length: 19,84 m Wing span 31,72m
Height: 5,4 m Wing area: 129,3 m2
Weights:
Empty weight 9489 kg Max start weight: 16 066 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 281 km/hr Cruising speed: 181 km/hr
Range: 3781 km Service ceiling: 4481 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp rated 1200 hp each
Crew: Seven man
Armament: Five machine guns and 1814 kg bombs

 

Technical Information Consolidated PB2B1 Catalina IVB
Boeing Canada built the PBY-5 under licence. These aircraft were delivered under the designation PB2B-1.
The first examples were delivered in March 1943. Totally 240 PB2B-1's were built.
193 of which were delivered to RAF, RAAF and RNZAF, under Lend-Lease conditions, designated as Catalina Mk IVB.
Dimensions:
Length: 19,84 m Wing span 31,72m
Height: 5,4 m Wing area: 129,3 m2
Weights:
Empty weight - kg Max start weight: - kg
Performance:
Max. speed: km/hr Cruising speed  
Range:   Service ceiling:  
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp rated 1200 hp each.
Crew: Seven men
Armament: Seven machine guns; 1814 kg bombs

 

Technical Information Consolidated PB2B2 Catalina VI

PBY-6A/ OA-10B/ PB2B-2/ Catalina Mk VI:

The first of this new versions, PBY-6A, was delivered in April 1944. Used were the developments which were used for the PBN-1.
In the bowturret two 12,7 mm Browning machine guns; on the canopy a radar housing was added.
The tail of the aircraft was completely revised, so the length of the aircraft was larger. When production ended in april 1945, 175 examples were built.
The USAAF received 65 PBY-6A from the US Navy, under de Army designation OA-10B.
The RAF received 61 aircraft of type Boeing-Canada PB2B-2 under lend-lease conditions as Catalina GR.Mk VI. 47 examples of these went to RAAF.

Dimensions:
Length: 19,84 m Wing span 31,72m
Height: 5,4 m Wing area: 129,3 m2
Weights:
Empty weight - kg Max start weight: - kg
Performance:
Max. speed: - km/hr Cruising speed:: - km.hr
Range: - km Service ceiling: - m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp rated 1200 pk each
Crew: Seven men ?
Armament: 7 machine guns; 1814 kg bombs

 


Period September 1941 till March 1942

May 1940 the delivery of long range patrol aircraft to the RNlNAS in Dutch East Indies, suddenly came to an end, when the Netherlands were overrun by the Germans. About one third of the ordered Dorniers Do-24 were delivered.
Because the allies already used the PBY and the RNlNAS was already interested in this type in 1937, it was an easy choice. After lot of negotiations an order for the delivery of 38 PBY-5 was made.
These aircraft received registrations Y-38 till Y-73.

 

After a short time a second order of another twelve aircraft, registered Y-74 t/m Y-85 was made. Because production had changed to the PBY-5A amphibian and this type was more useful, this order was changed in the delivery of twelve PBY-5As.
The first two flying boats, registered Y-38 and Y-39, were delivered on September 5, 1941. During the ferry Y-50 was damaged at Wake Island and repaired at the factory. During the attack of Pearl Harbour, on December 7, 1942, Y-68 was lost. Y-69, which was at Pearl Harbour, was confiscated by the US. It was returned to the Dutch in March 1942.

Because of the Japanese attack, another ferry route via Africa and Asia was necessary. Y-50 and Y-71 - Y-73 arrived via this route at Surabaya. Because of the critical circumstances at Singapore Y-52 till Y-54 were handed over to the RAF Singapore on October 15, 1941. They were detached at no. 205 squadron.

Consolidated PBY-5A   Boven de rede van Soerabaja
Consolidated PBY-5 flying over sea near Surabaya (note the small orange triangle on the fuselage)
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina maritieme patrouillevliegboot (1943-1949)
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina in the original paint scheme
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina (Y-38) (1941-1946) na aankomst te Soerabya 1941
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina (Y-38) (1941-1946) just arrived at Surabaya 1941
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Consolidated PBY-5A  Catalina  (1941-1946) Y-38
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (1941-1946) Y-38
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Consolidated PBY-5  (Y-56) (1941-1946) Demontage BB vleugel
Consolidated PBY-5 (Y-56) (1941-1946).
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Consolidated PBY-5MN, Catalina  049, (1941-1946) in de fabriek in Amerika. Tekst
Consolidated PBY-5MN, Catalina 049, at the factory in the US. Text "Propeller hoist installed",
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

Top

 

Losses

In the mean time several aircraft were lost:

  • Y-38 sunk on February 9, 1942 during a rescue operation.
  • Y-39 was used as training aircraft at Morokrembang and is possibly destroyed there by own military.
  • Y-40 was shot down during a training flight on February 3, 1942.
  • Y-41 was possibly lost in action.
  • Y-42 was possibly lost in action.
  • Y-43 was destroyed due to Japanese attacks.
  • Y-44 crashed on December 5, 1941.
  • Y-46 was damaged beyond repair during take off on October 7, 1941.
  • Y-47 crashed in a landing in the night of February 22 to February 23, 1942.
  • Y-48 was destroyed by own personnel on march 3, 1942.
  • Y-50 was destroyed due to Japanese attacks.
  • Y-51 was lost during a patrol mission on January 21, 1942.
  • Y-58 was lost while bombing the Japanese fleet near Kema.
  • Y-61 was destroyed due to Japanese attacks.
  • Y-63 was shot down during a patrol flight on February 27, 1942.
  • Y-65 was damaged on February 27, 1942 during an aerial fight.
  • Y-66 caught fire due to Japanese attack on march 4, 1942.
  • Y-72 was destroyed due to Japanese attacks.

 

Period after March 9, til VJ day


After the Dutch East Indies had surrendered on March 9, 1942, many crew escaped. Y-55, Y-56, Y-57 and Y-64 arrived at Koggala, Ceylon. Y-45, Y-59, Y-60, Y-67, Y-70 and Y-71 arrived in Australia. Due to the an expected attack of Broome on march 3, 1942 Y-59, Y-60, Y-67, Y-70 were lost.
Several personnel of RNlNAS managed to repair a PBY-4 of the US Navy. The unofficial serial P-3 was applied to the aircraft and flew to Australia. After an overhaul it was handed over to the RAAF. The aircraft, which arrived at Koggala were detached in no 222 group.

April 11, 1942 it was decided to form a Dutch navy squadron at Ceylon, equipped with the Catalina's. The five Catalina's in Australia were flown to Ceylon. By the end of may 1942 squadron 321 RAF was re-activated and detached at China Bay. The squadron stayed in no. 222 Group Coastal Command.

September 2,1942 PBY-5A Y-74 arrived as reinforcement. Soon the other eleven ordered PBY-5A's arrived. All these aircraft were equipped with radar.
Unfortunately Y-75 hit a rock and sunk. It could be rescued and repaired, but it was no longer useful for operational use. It was modified for transport of passengers and nicknamed Sky Sleeper.

Between October 11 and November 1, 1942 three PBY-5's, Y-69 being one of them were based at Mombassa [operation DemCat], Kenya because of the presence of a Japanese raider. Also because of the lack of radar equipped aircraft the patrols were of no use.
November 8, 1942 Y-71 was lost during a test flight, thus reducing the operational strength to just eight aircraft.

From December 15, 1942 four PBY-5A's were based at Ratmalana, Ceylon. besides the usual patrol flights the aircraft were used for special duties such as dropping or picking up espionage groups. Due to enemy submarine activities near Cape of Good Hope,

By the end of January 1943 6 PBY-5A's and 3 PBY-5's (Y-83; Y-85) were based at Darling, South Africa. The aircraft had English roundels and a small orange triangle applied. The amphibians were based at Darling and St.Albans (Det/Darling and Det/St.Albans; Det = Detachment); the flying boats were based at Durban (Det/Durban). April 8, 1943, Det/Durban was dismissed adn the boats returned to Ceylon.

By the end of May a storm damaged the camp of Det/Darling in such a way that they had to move to Brooklyn Air Station. September 19, 1943, Det/Brooklyn was dismissed and the aircraft were based on the isle of Socotra, Yemen. In October 1943 the aircraft of Det/St.Albans were also based at Socotra. December 30, 1944 Det/Socotra was dismissed.

Because of an engine failure Y-78/N was lost on December 9, 1943; Y-49/B was heavily damaged during a landing in the night by the end of December 1943. March 12, 1943 Y-45/A left for Australia (Det/Australia) to join the Do-24K, X-24. The aircraft had a large badge applied on the nose (Who can tell more about this??). The aircraft was mainly used for liaison duties for the Dutch intelligence services (NEFIS and NICA).
To replace the old Do-24K, X24, in June 1943 two new PBY-5's, Y-86 and Y-87 were added to Det/Australia. Y-86/U went soon, in July 1943, to Ceylon. Both aircraft had most probably a RAF camouflage pattern
August 25, 1943 Y-84/S was lost after a emergency landing because of lack of fuel.
April 23, 1944 again three Catalinas were based in South Africa, this time at Fasantekraal. In 1944 the old Y-55/C, Y-56/D and Y-64/G flying boats, which were already in use for training purposes, replaced with three PB2B1 Catalina IV's, registered Y-88/W, Y-89/X and Y-90/Y; August 1944 three other Catalina IV's were added, Y-91/Z, Y-92/B and Y-93/N. Al these aircraft were on loan from the RAF.
The aircraft were returned to the RAF in November and December 1944, when squadron 321 received their B-24 Liberators.
December 1945 Y-80 was withdrawn from use; Y-62, Det/Australia was lost because of an accident on October 13, 1945.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (Y-74)  ASV-antenne onder de BB vleugel en dieptebommen onder beide vleugels
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (Y-74) ASV-antenna under the wing.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Een maritieme patrouilleamfibie Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina  (1942-1953) in Zuid-Afrika in 1943, met rechts De Bruin.
A Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (1942-1953) in South Africa in 1943.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Consolidated PBY-5A  Catalina Y-80 (1942-19523 te China Bay
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina Y-80 (1942-19523 at China Bay.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Maritieme patrouilleamfibie Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina (1941-1946). De Y-83
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina (1941-1946), serial Y-83.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
De van het MLD-Australië Detachement in het najaar van 1945
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina Y-57 (1941) of detachment Australia autumn 1945.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Maritieme patrouillevliegboot Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina  (1943-1946) vliegend boven de wateren van Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina (1943-1946) flying over the sea near New Guinea.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

Period after VJ day

By the end of 1945 again six PB2B1 Catalina IVb's were taken over from the RAF. These aircraft also received serials Y-88 til Y-93.
From half July 1946 all aircraft were re-registered with P-serials. Initially the P was written actually as "P"on the fuselage, from 1947 it was applied as "16".

During 1946 seven flying boats were added, two Catalina I, serials P-200 and P-204 and four Catalina IVa's, registered P-201, P-202, P-203, P-205 and P-206 Catalina IVa's. The aged P-57, P-69 and P-74 could now bet withdrawn from use.
Alas P-87, P-204 and P 93 were lost because of accidents.
By the end of 1946 four PB2B2 Catalina VI's were bought in Australia, these were registered P-207 till P-210. These flying boats differs from the other aircraft mainly because of their changed tail unit.

In 1947 squadron 321 squadron was abolished. The remaining Catalina's were grouped together with the bought Dakota's in OVTS (Oostelijk Verkennings en Transport Squadron = Eastern Reconnaissance ad Transport Squadron).
In September 1948 OVTS was split up in GVTA (= Groep Vliegtuigen A = Aircraft Group A), equipped with four flying boats and five amphibians and GVTB (=Groep Vliegtuigen B), equipped with three flying boats.
with the transfer of sovereignty to Indonesia the "Commando MLD in de Oost (= Easter Command RNlNAS) was dismissed. A new unit, squadron 7, was formed in New Guinea and equipped with P-76, P-77, P-85, P-202, P-203 and 205. During 1950 squadron 321 was reactivated again and also based in New Guinea White Catalinas P-200, P-75, P-79, P-82 and P-83

In 1951 six PBY-5A was bought in the USA and completely overhauled in the Netherlands. These aircraft entered serviced registered P-211 till P-216. P-212 and P-216 stayed in the Netherlands for SAR-purposes. P-203, P-205, P-202 and P-200 could now be withdrawn from use. In 1951/1952 the old and worn P-77, P-75 and P-76 were withdrawn form use and scrapped. P-79,P-83 and P-85 were re-registered as P-217, P-218 and P-219.

End 1953 in Australia six more EX-RAAF Catalinas were bought. These entered service with serials P-220 till P-225, P-223 was scraped because of spare parts. The other Catalinas were completely overhauled and entered operational service in the beginning of 1954.

Nieuws uit Nieuw-Guinea: de Marine Luchtvaart Dienst
View more media at Beeld en Geluid

In 1957 all remaining Catalinas were withdrawn from use. Catalina P-217 (ex P-79) was preserved as a monument at air base Biak. When New Guinea was annexed by Indonesia, this aircraft, together with a preserved Firefly IV, was sold to an Australian scrapyard.
P-212 was preserved and donated to a swimming pool in the Netherlands. In 1984 it was exchanged with a Hawker Hunter and is, after being completely overhauled and now on display at the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum (MLM = Military Aviation Museum at Soesterberg). Recently this aircraft was completely overhauled by Stichting Neptune Association.

N85 02 19

Catalina PBY-5A 212 photographed in 1985 at the Military Air force Museum at Soesterberg.

ConsolidatedPBY 5A IMG 0256

The Catalina PH-PBY of the Stichting Exploitatie Catalina PH-PBY.

ConsolidatedPBY 5A IMG 0259

The Catalina PH-PBY of the Stichting Exploitatie Catalina PH-PBY.

 


Consolidated PBY-5/5A Catalina

 

 

 


Overview of the serials of the Dutch  PBY-4, PBY-5, Catalina IVA, PBY-5A, , PB2B1 Catalina IVB and PB2B2 Catalina VI

Consolidated PBY-4 Catalina

Serial Construction nr. Date in service Date out of service Notes
Y- 3 - 02-03-1942 07-03-1942 March 02, 1942 left at Tjilatjap by the US.
It was repaired by the Dutch Navy and flown  (with evacuees) to Australia.
Returned to the US on March 07, 1942.

 

Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina

Serial
Serial
2nd serial
2nd serial
Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
Code
Code
Date in service
Datum in service
Date out of service
Datum out of service
Notes
Notes
First series: Ordering date October 11, 1940.
In January 1942 five aircraft were handed over to the USN (PatWing 10).
They were registered P-41 till P-45. Corresponding Y-serials are unknown
Y-38   232   03-09-1941 09-02-1942 Emergency landing Westervaarwater
Y-39   241   03-09-1941   To USN Pat. Wing 10??
Y-40   249   11-09-1941 03-02-1942 Shot down near Madoera
Y-41   260   11-09-1941   To USN Pat. Wing 10??
Y-42   266   11-09-1941   USN P-46 was rebuilt from the remains of RNLNAS Catalina (Y-42?) and of USN 22-P-12
Y-43   276   23-09-1941   To USN Pat. Wing 10??
Y-44   293   23-09-1941 05-12-1941 Crashed near Tandjong Pandan
Y-45   298 A     Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Scrapped
Y-46   301   08-10-1941   To USN Pat. Wing 10??
Y-47   303   08-10-1941 23-02-1942 Crashed near naval air station Pontianak
Y-48   306   08-10-1941 03-03-1942 Destroyed naval air station Pontianak
Y-49   308 B 12-10-1941   (Ceylon). Scrapped
Y-50   311   16-01-1942   To USN Pat. Wing 10??
Y-51   315   12-10-1941 21-01-1942 Sunk Barito river
Y-52   320   16-10-1941 04-12-1941 To RAF, Singapore
Y-53   326   16-10-1941 4-12-1941 To RAF, Singapore
Y-54   330   16-10-1941 4-12-1941 To RAF, Singapore
Y-55   336 C 03-11-1941   Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Scrapped, Ceylon
Y-56   340 D 03-11-1941   Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Scrapped, Ceylon
Y-57   344 E 03-11-1941   Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Scrapped naval air station Morokrembangan
Y-58   348   03-11-1941 11-01-1942 Sunk near Kema
Y-59   351   09-11-1941 03-03-1942 Sunk near Broome
Y-60   352     03-03-1942 Sunk near Broome
Y-61   353   09-11-1941 03-02-1942 Destroyed bombardment of naval air station Morokrembangan
Y-62   355 F 15-11-1941 18-10-1945 Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Written off naval air station Biak
Y-63   358   15-11-1941 27-02-1942 Shot down near Noordbroeder
Y-64   361 G 15-11-1941   Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Scrapped, Ceylon
Y-65   363   02-12-1941 27-02-1942 Written off, Tjilatjap
Y-66   367   02-12-1941 04-03-1942 Destroyed bombardment of Tjilatjap
Y-67   369   02-12-1941 03-03-1942 Sunk near Broome
Y-68   372   07-12-1941   Destroyed bombardment of Pearl Harbor
Y-69 P-69 376 H     Squadron 321 (Ceylon).
Scrapped
Y-70   378     03-03-1942 Sunk near Broome
Y-71   381     8-11-1942 Emergency landing Lake Bangalore
Y-72   385     05-02-1942 Shot down near Waroe
Y-73   388       To USN Pat. Wing 10??
Y-86 P-86 8396 U 17-05-1943 08-01-1949 Scrapped naval air station Biak
Y-87 P-87 8397 V 17-05-1943 13-10-1946 Crashed near Woendi and written off.

 

Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina IVA

These aircraft were bought from RCAF, June 19, 1946.
Used in Dutch East Indies and (Dutch) New Guinea.

Serial
Serial
2nd serial
2nd serial
Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
RAF serial
RAF serial
Code
Code
Date in service
Date in service
Date out of service
Date out of service
Notes
Notes
P-200     DP202   17-09-1946 14-02-1952 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
P-201     JX206   17-09-1946 01-11-1949 Written off at naval air station Morokrembangan
P-202     JX572   17-09-1946 01-06-1950 Written off naval air station Morokrembangan
P-203     JX219   02-11-1946 05-10-1951 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
P-204     Z2137   26-12-1946 26-01-1947 Crashed near Bali and written off.
P-205     JX217   14-12-1946 14-11-1951 Scrapped at naval air station Biak
P-206     JX209   24-12-1946 1950 In 1950 scrapped at naval air station Morokrembangan

 

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

Serial
Serial
2nd serial
2e serial
Fiscal Year nr.
Fiscal Year nr.
Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
Code
Code
Date in service
Date in service
Date out of service
Date out of service
Notes
Notes
Contract date 11-10-1940. In service at Ceylon (squadron 321), netherlands East Indies and Dutch New Guinea.
Y-74 P-74   837 J 02-09-1942   Scrapped naval air station Morokrembangan
Y-75 P-75   838 K 09-09-1942 14-02-1952 Scrapped naval air station Biak
Y-76 P-76   839 L 09-09-1942 28-01-1952 Scrapped naval air station Biak
Y-77 P-77   840 - m 13-09-1942 11-01-1952 Scrapped naval air station Biak
Y-78     841 N 16-09-1942 09-12-1943 Emergency landing Golf van Bengalen
Y-79 P-79; P-217   842 O 13-09-1942 12-08-1957  
Y-80     843 P 22-09-1942   Scrapped, India
Y-81     844   23-09-1942 26-03-1943 Destroyed Somaliland
Y-82 P-82   845 Q 26-09-1942 28-12-1950 Crashed near Seroei
Y-83 P-83; P-218   846 R 27-09-1942 15-06-1957 Scrapped naval air station Biak
Y-84     847 S 30-09-1942 25-08-1943 Emergency landing near Cap Agulhas
Y-85 P-85; P-219   848 T 20-11-1942 30-10-1954 Burned at naval air station Biak
Bought from US surplus. Overhauled at Aviolanda.
P-211   46581     09-02-1951 20-12-1952 [The aircraft originally menat to become P-211 crashed at arrival in the Netherlands ( Bu nr. 46521, civil registration N1493V) dated 23-01-19xx]
Damaged, Lebanon
P-212   48317 1679   22-02-1951 08-07-1957 Afte being withdrawn from use transported to Bosbad Hoeven.
P-212 was transferred in 1984 to the Military Aviation Museum at Soesterberg.
After a thorough overhaul lasting several years at the SNA (Stichting Neptune Association) P-212 has returned at the beginning of 2005 to the Military Aviation Museum.
P-213   46460 1824   16-03-1951 28-10-1952 Crashed near Biak
P-214   33972     03-04-1951 14-08-1956 Scrapped naval air station Biak
P-215   46583     27-04-1951 12-06-1955 Scrapped naval air station Biak
P-216   48252 1614   25-07-1951 13-05-1957 Scrapped naval air station De Kooy
After being withdrawn from use the aircrfat below were donated to the Dutch naval Air Service by the RAAF Australia.
P-220   46594 1959   19-02-1954 21-08-1956 Ex RAAF A24-104.
Scrapped naval air station Biak
P-221   46619 1984   23-07-1954 12-08-1956 Ex RAAF A24-110.
Scrapped naval air station Biak
P-222   46620 1985   01-08-1954 12-08-1956 Ex RAAF A24-111.
Entered service in august 1954
Scrapped naval air station Biak
P-223   46491 1855     15-04-1954 Ex RAAF A24-92.
Scrapped for spare parts.
P-224   46535 1899   02-02-1954 01-07-1957 Ex RAAF A24-99.
Scrapped naval air station Biak
P-225   46621 1986   08-12-1954 28-08-1956 Ex RAAF A24-112.
Scrapped naval air station Biak

 

Boeing PB2B1 Catalina IVB

Serial
Serial
2e Serial
2e Serial
Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
RAF Serial
RAF Serial
Code
Code
Date in service
Date in service
Date out of service
Date out of service
Notes
Notes
Y-88     JX315 W 09-07-1944 04-02-1945 On loan from RAF.
Returned to RAF, when Liberators entered service.
Y-88 P-88   JX276 (?) C 01-11-1945 11-01-1949 Taken over from RAF.
(RAF-serials are correct, corresponding RAF-serials are uncertain.
(See also Y-88 till Y-93). Unknown is the reason of the second use of this serial.
Written off and scrapped 25-07-1950 naval Air station Morokrembangan
Y-89     JX313 X 14-07-1944 04-02-1945 On loan from RAF.
Returned to RAF, when the Liberators entered service.
Y-89 P-89   JX288 (?) D 01-11-1945 10-02-1950 Taken over from RAF. (
RAF-serials are correct, corresponding RAF-serials are uncertain. (See also Y-88 till Y-93). unknown is the reason of the second use of this serial.
Written off and scrapped 25-07-1950 naval Air station Morokrembangan
Y-90     JX294 Y 16-07-1944 04-02-1945 On loan from RAF.
Returned to RAF, when Liberators entered service.
Y-90 P-90   JX289 (?) F 01-11-1945 01-06-1949 Taken over from RAF.
(RAF-serials are correct, corresponding RAF-serials are uncertain. (See also Y-88 till Y-93). unknown is the reason of the second use of this serial.
Written off and scrapped 25-07-1950 naval Air station Morokrembangan
Y-91     JX272 Z 07-08-1944 04-02-1945 On loan from RAF.
Returned to RAF, when Liberators entered service.
Y-91 P-91   JX298 (?) G 01-11-1945 01-08-1949 Taken over from RAF.
(RAF-serials are correct, corresponding RAF-serials are uncertain. (See also Y-88 till Y-93). unknown is the reason of the second use of this serial.
Written off and scrapped 25-07-1950 naval Air station Morokrembangan
Y-92     JX365 (?) B 01-08-1944 01-11-1944 On loan from RAF.
Returned to RAF, when Liberators entered service.
Y-92 P-92   JX354 (?) S 01-11-1945 25-01-1950 Taken over from RAF.
(RAF-serials are correct, corresponding RAF-serials are uncertain. (See also Y-88 till Y-93). Unknown is the reason of the second use of this serial.
Written off and scrapped 25-07-1950 naval Air station Morokrembangan
Y-93     JX205 (?) N 01-08-1944 01-11-1944 On loan from RAF.
Returned to RAF, when Liberators entered service.
Y-93 P-93   JX359 (?) V 01-11-1945 05-11-1947 Taken over from RAF.
(RAF-serials are correct, corresponding RAF-serials are uncertain. (See also Y-88 till Y-93). Unknown is  the reason of the second use of this serial.
Written off and scrapped 25-07-1950 naval Air station Morokrembangan

 

Boeing PB2B2 Catalina VI

These aircraft were built by Boeing Canada.
They were bought from surplus stock in Australia.

Consolidated PB2B2 Catalina VI
Serial 2nd Serial Construction nr. RAAF serial Date in service Date out of service Notes
Boeing built; Bought from Australian surplus;
P-207 44-44266 61172 A24-358, J 24-08-1949   Scrapped naval air station Morokrembangan
P-208 44-44286 61192 A24-351, J 25-08-1949   Scrapped at naval air station Morokrembangan
P-209 44-44293 61199 A24-384, J 25-08-1949   Scrapped naval air station Morokrembangan
P-210 44-44264 61170 A24-366, J 17-10-1949   Scrapped naval air station Morokrembangan

 


1/72nd Scale

Kits

  • Academy
    • Kit 12487: Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina.
  • Airfix
  • Matchbox
    • Kit 40610: Same as Revell Kit, released with decals for an early Dutch Catalina.
  • Minicraft
    • Kit 2123: Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina.
    • Kit 2137: Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina.
    • Kit 2136: Consolidated PBY-4 Catalina.
    • Kit 2122: Consolidated PBY-2 Catalina
  • Revell
    • Kit 4370: Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina IIA
    • Kit 4435: Cousteau's PBY Flying Boat, a Catalina PBY-6, released years ago.

 

IMG 2528

A model of a Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina, painted in the delivery scheme with orange triangles.
The kit used is the old Matchbox kit (in fact it is the Revell kit) with use of the kit decals.

IMG 2527

 

Consolidated PBY 5A Catalina AKleijn
A model of a Dutch PBY-5A Catalina, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Modelling add-on

  • Aeroclub
    • Set E043: 14 cyl. Pratt & Whitney 1830 Twin Wasp (Catalina)
    • Set P090: Hamilton Standard Hydro 12"(C47,DC3,PBY)
  • BroPlan
    • Set MS-67: Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1 Nomad (PBY5) Voor Academy kit)
    • Set MS-60: Consolidated PBY6A Catalina (Voor Academy kit)
  • Eduard
    • Set 72-242: Detailset Consolidated PBY5A Catalina (Academy)
    • Set XS189: Express Mask PBY-5 Catalina (Academy)
  • Falcon
    • Set VAX11: US Navy WW2 Canopies voor PBY5 Catalina, F4U-1, Ventura, SB2C en F2A
  • Platz
    • Set M72X-04: Detailset PBY-5 Catalina (Academy)
  • QuickBoost
    • Set 72056: PBY1-5 Catalina motoren (Academy)
    • Set 72006: PBY Catalina Props (Academy)
  • Red Roo
    • Set M72119:Boeing PB2B2: horizontale en verticale staartstukken voor deze door Boeing gebouwde PBY-5 Catalia (alleen resin onderdelen)
    • Set M72117:Boeing PB2B2: horizontale en verticale staartstukken voor deze door Boeing gebouwde PBY-5 Catalina (als M72118 met decals)
    • Set 72122: Catalina Fishtail exhaust
  • RVHP Models
    • Set 72130: Boeing PB2B2: horizontale en verticale staartstukken voor deze door Boeing gebouwde PBY5 Catalina
  • Renaissance Flight (ex FAB flight)
    • Set 72015: PBY-5 Catalina main landin gear bays (academy)
  • Squadron
    • Set 09162:Canopies Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina.
  • Scale Aircraft Conversions
    • Set 72037: PBY-5A Catalina Landing Gear (Academy).
  • True Details
    • Set 72037: PBY5A Catalina Wheels.
  • Vector resin
    • Set 72004: Pratt & Whitney R1830.

Decals

  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 72023: Set for several Dutch aircraft such as PBY-5 Catalina 16-205
    • Set 72024: Set for several Dutch aircraft such as Boeing (Canada) PB2B-1 Catalina IVB; P-92 and Consolidated PBY-5A, Y-80.
    • Set 72026: Set for several Dutch aircraft such as Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina IVA, P-206 post-war scheme; PBY-5, Y-45 with flags; PBY-5 Catalina Y-69 overall black.
    • Set 72045: Set for several Dutch aircraft such as PBY-5 Catalina Y-38; Y-39 and Y-75 in early scheme with orange triangles.
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set FD72-023: Royal Netherlands Navy over the Dutch East Indies 1939-1942: Do24, PBY5, Ryan STM en Douglas DB7 Havoc.
  • DK decals
    • Set 72005: Dornier Do24 / PBY Catalina in RAAF and NEIAF Service

1/48th Scale

Kits

  • Revell
    • Kit 5617: PBY-5A Catalina (Revell USA)
    • Kit 04507: PBY-5A Catalina
    • Kit 04520: PBY-5 Catalina
  • Monogram
    • Kit 85-5613 / 85-5934 / 85-5617: Consolidated PBY5-A Catalina

Modelling add-on

  • Belcher Bits
    • Kit XX: Consolidated PBY-5/5A Catalina Conversie set in resin.
    • Kit XXX: Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina Conversie set
    • Kit XXXX: Consolidated PBY-2/3/4 Catalina Conversie set
  • Eduard
    • Set 48-182: Detailset Consolidated PBY5 Catalina
    • Set XF064: Express Mask PBY Catalina (Revell/Monogram)
    • Set BIG 49116: Detailset PBY5A Catalina (Revell/Monogram)
    • )
    • Set E49-697 / FE697: Detailset PBY5A Catalina Interior Self Adhesive (Monogram/Revell)
    • Set E48-827: Detailset PBY5A Catalina Exterior (Revell/Monogram)
    • Set FE607: Detailset Ilyushin IL2 Self Adhesive (Tamiya)
    • Set FE599: Detailset PBY-5 Catalina Interior Self Adhesive (Revell/Monogram)
    • Set E48-182: Detailset Consolidated PBY5 Catalina
    • Set E648-192: PBY5A Catalina Wheels (Monogram, Revell)
    • Set E48-826: Detailset PBY5A Catalina Floats (Revell/Monogram)
    • Set E48-825: Detailset PBY5A Catalina Undercarriage (Revell/Monogram)
  • Moskit
    • Set U48-01: Catalina upgrade without exhausts
    • Set U48-02: Catalina upgrade with round exhausts
    • Set U48-03: Catalina upgrade with fishtail exhausts
    • Set U48-04: Catalina upgrade with oval exhausts
  • QuickBoost
    • Set 48061: Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina Engines (Revell/Monogram)
  • True Detail
    • Set 48095: PBY Catalina Beaching Wheel set
    • Set 48101: PBY5A Catalina Wheel Set (Revell/Monogram Kits)
    • Set 48457: PBY-5 Catalina Cockpit Detail set
    • Set SQ41302: Consolidated PBY5(5a) Catalina Fast Frames (Monogram/Revell)

Decals

  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 48050: Set for several Dutch aircraft such as PBY-5 Catalina P92
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set FD48-016: Royal Netherlands Navy over the Dutch East Indies 1939-1942: Do24, PBY5, Ryan STM en Douglas DB7 Havoc.

 


Scheme Colour name FS number BS number Humbrol XtraColor Vallejo Model Color Vallejo Model Air Hataka
Boeing (Consolidated) PB2B-1 Catalina IVB
RAF Standard #1 Upper surfaces Extra Dark Sea Grey ~6099 BS:640 123 / 106 X005 / X376 70.866 71.110 ~140
Undersides White ~7875   34   70.951 71.001 ~043
Boeing (Consolidated) PB2B-2 Catalina VI
Standard #1 Overall Aluminium dope     56 / 191   70.864 71.062 -
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina: P-200 till P-206 (after overhaul)
Standard #2 Overall Aluminium dope     56 / 191   70.864 71.062 -
Y-86 & Y-87 (later P-86 & P-87): Temperate Sea scheme, wing span larger than 75 feet
Standard #1 Upper surfaces Dark Slate Grey     102 X025 70.892 71.092 ~202
Extra Dark Sea Grey ~6099 BS:640 123 / 106 X005 / X376 70.866 71.110 ~140
Undersides Sky - BS:210 90 X004 / X130 - 71.302 ~026
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina: Y-38 t/m Y-73;
Delivery scheme, initally orange triangles; but from february 1942 and on with flags as national insigna.
Standard #1 Upper surfaces Dark Sea Blue Grey: ANA 623 ?? 35042   181 X121 70.990   ~001
Undersides Milky White     90 (mixed with white) X007 (mixed with white)  70.885 71.103 (mixed with white) -
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina: Y-74 t/m Y-85, later P-75 t/m P-85
Standard #1 Upper surfaces Dark Sea Blue Grey: ANA 623 ?? 35042   181 X121  70.990   ~001
Undersides Milky White     90 (mixed with white) X007 (mixed with white) 70.885 71.103 (mixed with white) -
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina: P-211 t/m P-225 (after overhaul)
Standard #2 Overall Aluminium dope     56 / 191   70.864 70.062 -

 

Several colour scheme's applied on the PBY-5 Catalina.

These scheme's are meant for illustration purposes only. The size and type of used fonts of the serials, the size of the roundels etcetera might not be correct, but are as good as possible a simulation of the original.
Further there are many differences between individual aircraft regarding antennas, exhaust and also markings like squadron markings.

Many aircraft had black anti-fouling applied on the undersides of the fuselage.
Just in case you want to built a Dutch Catalina, check you references very well!

 

Delivery scheme PBY-5 Catalina.
Delivery scheme PBY-5 Catalina:
Consolidated_PBY5_Catalina-2-SMALL
Schema 2 PBY-5 Catalina.
Rudder painted in camouflage colours, no Dutch markings on the upper sides of the wing.
Consolidated_PBY5_Catalina-3-SMALL
Schema 3: PBY-5 Catalina.
Identical to paint scheme 2. The markings on the fuselage are resized to 1/3 of the original size.
Consolidated_PBY5_Catalina-4-SMALL
Schema 4: PBY-5 Catalina.
Identical to paint scheme 3, with Dutch flags as nationality markings.
Left side view : The rear part of the underside of the fuselage of Y-57 is panted with a dark (black?) colour .
Right side: Under side of the fuselage of P-200 had black anti-fouling applied.
Consolidated_PBY5_Catalina-5-SMALL
Scheme 5: PBY-5 Catalina.
Identical to paint scheme 3, with English RAF markings. These were applied during ferry flights.
Consolidated_PBY5_Catalina-6-SMALL
Scheme 6: PBY-5 Catalina.
De Y-69 is one of the few Dutch "Black Cat's", these were painted overall black because of nightly operations.
Consolidated_PBY5_Catalina-7-SMALL
Scheme 7: PBY-5 Catalina.
Applied on Y-86 and Y-87. Identical to the RAF paint scheme (for aircraft with a wingspan larger than 75 feet). This drawing is partly reconstructed with the help of photo's of the Y-87.

 

Several colour scheme's applied on the PB2B-1 Catalina IV.

Consolidated_PB2B1_Catalina-1-SMALL
Colour scheme Boeing-Canada PB2B-1 Catalina IV.
Consolidated_PB2B1_Catalina-2-SMALL
Colour scheme Boeing-Canada PB2B-1 Catalina IV.
This particular aircraft still had the paint scheme of the RAF, the first owner, applied.
Consolidated_PB2B1_Catalina-3-SMALL
Colour scheme Boeing-Canada PB2B-1 Catalina IV.
Overall aluminium-dope with Dutch flags.
Undersides of the fuselage had black anti-fouling applied.
Consolidated_PB2B1_Catalina-4-SMALL
Colour scheme Boeing-Canada PB2B-1 Catalina IV.
Overall aluminium-dope with Dutch roundels and new serials.
Undersides of the fuselage had black anti-fouling applied.

 

Colour scheme applied on the PB2B-2 Catalina VI.

Consolidated_PB2B2_Catalina-1-SMALL
Colour scheme Boeing-Canada PB2B-2 Catalina VI.
Overall aluminium-dope with Dutch flags.
Undersides of the fuselage had black anti-fouling applied.

 

Several colour scheme's applied on the PBY-5A Catalina.

Consolidated PBY5A Catalina-1-SMALL
First colour scheme PBY-5A Catalina.
Consolidated PBY5A Catalina-2-SMALL
Second colour scheme PBY-5A Catalina.
Identical to scheme 1, with English RAF markings. These were applied during ferry flights, mentioned in the test above.
Consolidated PBY5A Catalina-3-SMALL
Overall aluminium-dope with Dutch roundels and new serials.
Undersides of the fuselage had black anti-fouling applied.
Consolidated PBY5A Catalina-4-SMALL
Fourth colour scheme: Overall aluminium-dope with Dutch roundels and new serials.
Note the changed position of several markings.

 


Literature.

Zestig jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in Beeld. Hugo hooftman pag. 70 1977 Uitgever Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
AviaHobby 1ste jaargang, 11-1980, nr 11; Catalina's in Marinedienst N.Geldhof; Hans Loeber & PaulGols. pag. 196 - 207 1980 uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam
Aircraft No. 62: PBY Catalina in Action Cpt W.E.Scarborough USN (ret) Pag. 23 e.v. 1983 Uitgave Squadron Signal Publuications Carrollton, Texas, USA
De geschiedenis van squadron 321: Nooit op de Twode plaats Bart M. Rijnhout Pag. 11-26; 31- 36 1984 Uitgave De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam/Dieren;
Modelbouw in Plastic nr 2, 1984   Pag.26t/m 29. 1984 Uitgave IPMS nederland
70 jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst N.Geldhof.. Pag. 59 - 72; 86 - 92; 111 - 121 1987 Uitgave: Eisma BV , Leeuwarden
40 jaar Luchtvaart in Indië G.Casius en T.Postma. Pag. 55; 75; 91; 109 - 110; 125 - 126; 130; 147.   Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar
Luchtvaartwereld; 3e jaargang nr. 1, 1 - 1986: Naoorlogse Catalina's van de MLD N.Geldhof pag.25 - 28 1988 Uitgave Ten Brink, Meppel
Air Enthusiast 38 : In praise of the Consolidated PBY - The maginificat William Green, William & Gordon Swanborough pag. 1 - 18 1989 Uitgever Pilot Press Ltd., Bromley, Kent
Nederlandse Militaire Luchtvaart III: Consolidated PBY-5/A Catalina N. Geldhof   1989 Uitgave Stichting Vrienden v. h. Militaire Luchtvaart Museum (i.s.m. de afd. Luchtvaartkennis KNVvL.
Vliegtuigsquadrons 320 en 321 50 jaar P.Bartels & P Staal.   1990 Uitgave van Jubileumcommissie 320321
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
The Consolidated PBY : Bewaker van de Pacific P. P. Staal & Nico Geldhof   2004 uitgeverij All media Productions, hilversum

 

Websites.

ul

Note

This article was published in 1993 in the magazine "Modelbouw in Plastic" (Scale Modelling in Plastic), a release of the IPMS Netherlands

Special thanks to M. Schönfeld , P. Staal and R. Burgerhout for their informatian and line-drawings of the Catalina.

 

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