PBY The Catalina Flying Boat

Ref: 4284

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{detailed description}The greatest of all flying boats, the PBY Catalina was one of the most versatile aircraft ever built. Yet, until the publication of this book, a single definitive study of the aircraft has not been available. Now all the fascinating facts about the PBY are pulled together in one volume by an author who, enthralled with its unique design since childhood, breathes new life into its story.
Roscoe Creed skilfully weaves details of the plane's design, production, and development as a military and civilian aircraft together with thrilling descriptions of its varied missions in World War II, when it served all the Allies in both oceans.
He carefully analyses the PBY's dual use in the war. As a plane of mercy it was the hope of downed pilots, stranded evacuees, and those in need of supplies. As a bomber, it became a nemesis of enemy U-boats in the Atlantic and achieved fame through its Black Cat, or night bomber, prowls in the Pacific. Creed also chronicles the aircraft's contributions in peacetime, for example, as a forest fire fighter, to carry the saga of this grand flying boat right up to the present. Nor does the author neglect the compelling human-interest angle to the story of this amazing machine. He makes full use of personal experiences of many ex-PBY pilots to help elaborate upon the aircraft's strengths and weaknesses.
For the thousands of crew members who flew "the Cat" in war and peace, this book provides a nostalgic look back at the PBY's long and brilliant career. For those of us not lucky enough to know the craft firsthand, it offers a close-up view not soon to be forgotten.
Modellers and others seeking explicit details on the PBY's design will find the wealth of technical data and line drawings in the appendices invaluable.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Roscoe Creed
Published by Airlife 1986 (of 1985 U. S. 1st edition) 351pp illustrated, index, appendices, bibliography, notes. 16x23
{condition}very good, d/j covered in self adhesive plastic and stuck to inner boards.
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