PBY Catalina

The Consolidated PBY Catalina was an American flying boat of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War II. During World War II, PBYs were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escorts, search and rescue missions (especially air-sea rescue), and cargo transport. The PBY was the most successful aircraft of its kind; no other flying boat was produced in greater numbers. The last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980s.

PBY Catalina in Days of Infamy
After the first attempt to retake the Hawaiian islands failed, the US took a page from the Japanese book and started using the PBY for reconnaissance and convoy hunting around the islands. An even daring attack was launched against the Akagi with little damage sustained to the carrier.