Modified PBY-4
Information from Joe Baugher's web site
(CAC no. 33) Bailed to Consolidated for further design work. Used for trials of the amphibious undercarriage system that was fitted to later Catalinas. It was not fitted with blisters and retained the original shape PBY-4 rudder. Became the prototype PBY-5A, designated XPBY-5A, first flying as such on 2Nov39. Delivered to the US Navy and used as a staff transport in both the Atlantic and Panama Canal Zones. Starting in March 1943, it underwent modifications that saw it lose its amphibious undercarriage but gain a PBY-5 tail and blisters. The bow turret was removed in favor of a faired-over clipper-style bow, additional windows and an internal fit allowing seating for a number of passengers. Redesignated as the PBY-5R Sea Mare
Aeroplane Photo Supply No. 667
