Anigrand Craftswork ANIG4025 1:144 Consolidated PB2Y-5/R Coronado

Consolidated PB2Y-5/R Coronado. ALSO includes free of the Curtiss XF15C-1, Martin XTBM-1 Mauler and Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket. In 1935, the U.S. Navy request for the development of a new patrol bomber larger than the Consolidated PBY Catalina that would have increased performance and weapon load capability. Consolidated and Sikorsky submitted proposal which received order for two prototypes as the XPB2Y-1 and XPBS-1. Both the prototypes first flew in 1937 but the Navy did not have funds at that time to procure the aircraft. Sikorsky sold the XPBS-1 to civilian, and Consolidated had to wait 15 months before order of the improved PB2Y-2 was placed. After Pearl Harbor attack, further development of the PB2Y-2 was requested. It led to the PB2Y-3 featuring self-sealing fuel tank and additional armor in 1941 and then converted with most powerful radial engines to the PB2Y-5 standard model. Coronado served as a major component in the Naval Air Transport Service during WWII in the Pacific theater. Some were converted as unarmed PB2Y-5R transport. One was assigned to Admiral Nimitz's personal fleet of planes and was the first plane to land in Tokyo Bay for VIP's aboard to the signing of the end of WWII.