Aircraft History
Built by Boeing of Canada. Constructors Number 61154. US Navy Bureau Number 44248. Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number JX630. One of 165 Boeing built Catalina flying boats delivered to
Australia.
On September 3, 1945 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as PB2B-2 Catalina VI serial number A24-385. On September 17, 1945 assigned to 3 Operational Training Unit (3 OTU) then placed in storage at the
Rathmines Flying Boat Base.
Post War
In 1950, A24-385 was handed over to Captain P G Taylor, named "Frigate Bird II" and
registered in Australian as VH-ASA. It was in this aircraft that Captain Taylor and his crew became
the first people to fly across the South Pacific between Australia and South America. Sold to Airmotive Supply, New York on May 18, 1953.
Display
The Catalina is currently suspended from the ceiling of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Displayed in the markings of PBY Catalina A24-385.
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Last Updated
November 9, 2019
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PB2B
