"Cats Have Claws"
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was considered obsolete by the U.S. Navy in 1939. However, the "Cat" turned out to be the best anti-sub aircraft available at the start of the Battle of the Atlantic because of it's range, capacity, and durability and was employed by many countries for ASW. This print features a U.S. Navy PBY-5A Catalina in early W.W.II markings engaged in a running battle with the scourge of the North Atlantic - a German type VII U-Boat.
The PBY Catalina which first flew in 1935 was ordered by the United States Navy as a naval patrol seaplane, capable of a 3000 mile range at 100 miles per hour. The Royal Air Force also used Catalinas as well as the Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand Air Forces. Post-war they were provided to many countries including France, Norway, Sweden & Denmark to rebuild their depleted air forces. There are still numerous aircraft in service around the world, although its peacetime role as a fire fighter is a far cry from its original designed role.
"Black Cat" PBY Catalina stalks enemy shipping as night falls in the far reaches of the Pacific.
Flight Out of Hell" by Nicholas Trudgian. Lt. Nate Gordon's Black Cat takes off after having rescued the downed crew of a B-25 bomber. The PBY is under fire from Japanese ground units on the nearby island. Gordon received the Medal of Honor for his rescues that day.
