Return of the Catalina?
During this year's Oshkosh AirVenture, Catalina Aircraft from Florida announced it has plans to relaunch production of a modernized version of the iconic Catalina flying-boat. According to the press-release, "interest in the rebirth of this legendary amphibian has been extraordinary" and they want to move the new program "forward rapidly".
Catalina Aircraft, which is currently the official type certificate holder of the original 28-5ACF Catalina, is planning to offer two versions of the new aircraft, which is called the Next Generation Amphibious Aircraft (NGAA) Catalina II and will feature new turboprop engines that are able to run on sustainable fuel.
The first version is the NGAA Special Use version, which is aimed to military and governmental operators. It will be able to operate in Sea State 3 conditions and able to operate up to 19-hour missions, depending on the configuration. Top speed is planned to be around 200 knots and it can also fly as slow as 62 knots. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is 40,000 pounds, which will enable the Catalina II to carry up to 30 fully-outfitted soldiers or 16,000 pounds of cargo. Examples for usage of the Special Use Catalina II are Intelligence, Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Aerial firefighting etc. It will also be equipped with cockpit displays that are night-vision gear compatible and able to operate from (un)surfaced runways, rivers, sand, lakes, bays and seas.
The second version is the NGAA Civilian Catalina II, which should be able to operate in Sea State 2 conditions. This version will be able to fly up to 185 knots and carry up to 34 passengers or 12,000 pounds of cargo. On request, it can be outfitted with dual cargo doors. It's MTOW is planned to be 32,000 pounds.
Catalina Aircraft has said its now ready to take pre-orders but hasn't communicated any timelines regarding first flight, certification and potential entry into service.
The original Model-28 Catalina flyingboat, was built between 1936 and 1945. During that period a total of 3,308 Catalina's have been produced. Of these, 620 were licence-built in Canada, and 27 in the Soviet Union. It was the most widely used flying-boat during the second World War and served with all branches of the US armed forces.
Illustration by Catalina Aircraft.