Academy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina "Black Cat"
This is a 1/72 scale Academy plastic model kit. This Consolidated Aircraft PBY-5A was used by every branch of the U.S Military, especially for cargo transport and patrol bombing. The initials "P.B.Y." were determined by the U.S. Navy aircraft designation system of 1922, PB representing "Patrol Bomber" and Y being the code used for the aircraft's manufacturer, Consolidated Aircraft. 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 "5A" variation was was produced from October 1941 - January 1945. It had Hydraulically-actuated, retractable tricycle landing gear, for amphibious operation, a new gun position with bow "eyeball" turret equipped with twin .30 machine guns (on some later units), improved armor and self-sealing fuel tanks. Several squadrons of PBY-5As and -6As in the Pacific theater were specially modified to operate as night convoy raiders. Outfitted with state-of-the-art magnetic anomaly detection gear and painted flat black, these "Black Cats" attacked Japanese supply convoys at night. Between August 1943 and January 1944, "Black Cat" squadrons had sunk 112,700 tons of merchant shipping, damaged 47,000 tons and damaged 10 Japanese warships. The last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980s. Even today, over 70 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as an airtanker in aerial firefighting operations all over the world. This kit includes fully engraved panel lines as well as rivet details, detailed cockpit, waist gunner's compartment and blisters, as well bomb and engine detail and a painting and decal guide. Optional parts are included for building an early or late version of the model. The "Black Cat" will be a beautiful and impressive addition to any collection.