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Consolidated PB2Y Coronado
Soon after Consolidated's famous PBY Catalina had flown, plans were drawn up to build a larger maritime patrol flying-boat with a greater weapons capacity and higher speed. The resulting XPB2Y-1 competed successfully against the Sikorsky XPBS-1 and after a number of modifications it entered production as the PB2Y Coronado. The type saw limited service in World War II with the US Navy and 10 examples were used by the RAF, mainly as transports.
With heavy defensive armament, long range and a large weapons load the PB2Y had the potential to be one of the US Navy's most important patrol flying-boats of World War II. However, production preference was given to the twin engined PBY Catalina of which thousands were built compared to a mere 226 production PB2Ys.
The prototype, designated XPB2Y-1, underwent evaluation in early 1938 and was selected over the XPBS-1 but a number of shortcomings needed to be addressed before production could begin. The most serious problem was lateral instability which was solved by modifying the tail unit. The tailplane was given significant dihedral, and endplates similar to those on the B-24 bomber were fitted. The nose profile was also changed to a more rounded appearance.
The main production version was the PB2Y-3, which saw little operational service during the war. Ten PB2Y-3Bs supplied to the RAF as Coronado GR. Mk Is were mostly used for hauling freight across the Atlantic.
Later versions were fitted with air to surface vessel (ASV) radar and other variants included the PB2Y-3R transport and the PB2Y-5H casevac aircraft. All Coronados had been withdrawn from service by VJ Day.
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| A number of PB2Y-3s were cinverted to PB2Y-5 standard. Alterations included fitting more powerful R-1830-92 enignes, increased fuel capacity and provision for RATO(rocket assisted take off) gear. |
The sharp dihedral of the Coronado's tailplane and its associated endplates. The aircraft were wheeled to the water using a trolley system. |
A lack of lateral stability was rectified by replacing the single fin with two endplates. |
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Consolidated PB2Y Coronado (Technical Specification) |
| Role |
Long range flying boat patrol bomber |
| Manufacturer |
Consolidated |
| Maximum Speed |
359 kmh (223 mph) |
| Maximum Range |
3,814 km (2,365 miles) |
| Ceiling |
6,250 meters (20,500 feet) |
Weight
Empty
Maximum Takeoff |
18,568 kg (40,850lbs)
30,844 kg (67,857 lbs) |
Dimensions
Wingspan
Length
Height
Wing Area |
35.05 meters (115 ft)
24.16 meters (79 ft 3in)
8.38 meters (27 ft 6 in)
165.36 square meters (1,780 sq ft) |
| Engines |
Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-88 Twin Wasp radial piston engines each providing 895-kW (1,200 hp) |
| Armament |
Two 12.7mm (0.50 cal) machine guns in bow, dorsal and tail turrets
One 12.7mm (0.50 cal) machine gun in each of two beam positions
Up to 5,443 (11,975 lbs) of bombs, depth charges or torpdeoes
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