PBY Catalina's History

The Lake Superior Squadron is committed to returning the CAF’s PBY Catalina to the sky. Each year the hard-working volunteers make tremendous strides in restoring this historically significant amphibious warbird. The PBY was originally designed to be a  patrol bomber , an aircraft with a long operational  range  intended to locate and attack enemy transport ships at sea in order to disrupt enemy  supply lines .  In the Pacific Ocean , where troops would require resupply over great distances, the  U.S. Navy  in the 1930s had invested millions of dollars in developing long-range flying boats for this purpose.  Flying Boats had the advantage of not requiring  runways , in effect having the entire ocean available. The PBY Catalina is an amphibious aircraft that was used during the War for bombing missions, observation, reconnaissance, and rescue operations. Less than 20 Catalinas remain airworthy today and volunteers are eager to add this aircraft to that short list. 

PBY Catalina's New Mission

The energy continues to mount as volunteers progress on this extensive restoration project. With the paint application occurring in some sections, the vision for the project is starting to show. The final coat will be a Gull Gray for the bottom skin and a Mid Blue for the upper portion. Once completed, this PBY will continue to tell the story of a PBY Catalina that participated in the Battle of Midway that was piloted by Lieutenant Howard Ady.

Currently, the work is focused on the center section which is the mount for the R1830 engines. Volunteers worked on the center section diligently for about 4 months this year. This work included blasting off the old paint, mainly readying the frame for inspection, but also preparing to apply new paint. At present, we are reinstalling flight control components, hydraulic and fuel lines as well as new wiring for the electrical system.

Last years campaign helped with the restoration of the landing gear, which has been sent for plating after which the final paint and assembly will be done. Installation of the landing gear is scheduled in the spring 2023. Work will also continue with the canopy section of the aircraft, which includes some complicated sheet metal work.

This unusual aircraft restoration project presented some unique challenges, including the need to combine two different aircraft together in order to make one aircraft airworthy.

The next major step will be the overhaul of both R1830 engines.

How Can You Help

The Unit is raising funds this year for the overhaul of the R1830 engines. Both engines require a full overhaul since being in storage for 20 years. This includes all the accessories as well as the propellers. With your generous support our mission will continue.