Catalina
aussiePlaces, longreachQLD

This Catalina is one of the amphibious flying boats used by Qantas Empire Airways during and after World War II. These aircraft were vital to maintaining long‑distance air links when normal routes were disrupted by the war. The Catalinas operated a service between Perth and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), flying non‑stop for up to 32 hours across the Indian Ocean - the longest regular air route in the world at the time. The turret on the starboard rear side a remnant of its wartime configuration, retained during restoration to show how these aircraft were armed for patrol and reconnaissance. [0990]

Restore