Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boat 3D model

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The PBY Catalina, also known as the Canso when used by Canadians, was an amphibious aircraft produced by Consolidated Aircraft in the 1930s and 1940s that saw widespread use throughout World War II. Every branch of the US Armed Forces flew PBYs, along with numerous air forces and navies around the world during this time. During wartime service, Catalinas were used to fight submarines, transport goods, escort convoys, rescue personnel, and conduct bombing missions in the sea above water. As one of its kind, there were more aircraft built of similar design that was produced than any other model at that time period. Years after first taking to the skies, PBYs are still being used as tanker planes fighting fires over a wide range area. It took almost three quarters of a century before all remaining service use PBY models retired from official duties in the 1980s. As early as 2014 nearly nine decades past its first successful flight, it was noticed that many aircraft remain active and are even still doing their thing for a number other uses including as fire suppressants.