Catalina Aircraft will resurrect the famous Second World War seaplane, as well as create an all-new ‘Catalina II’ model, the Florida-based company has revealed.

The Consolidated Model 28, also known as PBY Catalina, was built in the 1930s and operated by all major Allied military powers during the Second World War. It served as a far-flying maritime patrol plane, long-range torpedo and land attack bomber, mine layer, submarine hunter, search-and-rescue plane, special operations transport and cargo-hauler.

More than 4,000 were built in the US, the Soviet Union and Canada. Only 14 to 17 are said to still remain, with at least seven more being restored to a flyable condition. 

In an interview with Popular Mechanics, Catalina Aircraft stated that the company already has a lead customer for its new Catalina and is also seeking pre-orders for the Catalina II.

“Interest in the rebirth of this legendary amphibian has been extraordinary,” said Lawrence Reece...