Limited Edition
1400Pieces Worldwide

commanding all US Navy, Marine Corps and USAA aircraft in the South Pacific area, Vice Admiral John S. McCain (grandfather of Senator John S. McCain III) was a capable leader at a crucial time in the Pacific War. He used this PBY-5A as his command flagship, and had it fly critical supplies into Henderson Field just five days after the Marines had first gone ashore on Guadalcanal. It thus became the very first aircraft to land at this strategically critical airfield following its capture by US forces.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

Designed to replace the Martin P3M, the PBY Catalina was first flown on March 28th, 1935. This aircraft is a long range patrol flying boat, one of the most rugged and versatile aircraft in U.S. history. Its long range assisted in the location and attack of enemy transport ships. A great advantage of flying boats is that they need no runway, however later PBY variants incorporated retractable landing gear, allowing for amphibious operation from land or water. Even today—more than seventy years after its first flight—the PBY continues to fly as an air tanker in firefighting operations throughout the world.