WIX Archives
Re: Speaking of Catalinas
Posted by Mark Munzel on Sun Mar 07, 2004 10:37:07 PM
In reply top Speaking of Catalinas posted by Rob Mears on Sun Mar 07, 2004 10:14:46 PM
: Does anyone recall a PBY that received publicity a decade
: or so ago which was outfitted with a couple of large horiz
: ontally opposed engines outboard of its radials? It was n
: icely finished in an attractive civilian scheme.
Rob:
I think you're describing the Bird Innovator. It was a "Landseaire" PBY conversion that had been given two Lycoming O-480s in addition to its two R-1820s. The Lycomings provided extra power at high gross weight (good) but added quite a bit of empty weight and complexity.
I understand the conversion was done in the 1960s. It did gain a snazzy paint scheme and a custom interior at some later date, and this may account for the publicity you recall.
The plane was converted back to two-engine configuration in Aurora, Oregon in the late 90s. It's currently registered as N5PY to an owner in Florida.
-M.M.