Dream on, take 2.
Okay, so there are only like 30 or so Catalinas left in the world that are more or less airworthy. It’s 1. super expensive and 2. a bitch to maintain. That’s because it’s also a flying legend, so it evens out I guess. I’d never forgive myself if I crashed one of these. Anyway, it is one of the very few long-range amphibious prop plane I know of that is in civilian service today. So what are the alternatives?
I mean, for the “round the world” flying dream thingy, long-range is a crucial spec. I reckon for such a project I’d need at least 4,000 km range. So I wouldn’t settle for less.
The G21 Goose and Grumman Albatross are also oldies that are kind of cool, but they don’t have the Catalina’s sex-appeal. The G-21 is currently being resurrected by Antilles Seaplanes with modern engines and avionics, but would still only have around 2,000 km max range. So the Albatross would be the only one with a similar range as the PBY, it can go up to 4,500 km. Interesting. To be continued.
The Dornier Seastar is new and sexy, but flies less than 2,000 km. I guess having a custom long-range version built would be akin to building a new aircraft so it’s not really a choice.
Following on this idea, I get my Laté 300 replica thing. Ideally would be build with Dornier, 4 engine long-range plane with a few mods to the original design: a clipper bow, PT6A-67A powerplants, and landing gear.
As I said, might as well design a new plane from the ground up, which is cost-prohibitive.
The Bombardier CL-415 is a purpose-built water bomber, it’s powerful but boxy and has limited range. Not an option.
The ShinMaywa US-2 is modern, powerful, has the necessary range… but it’s got no grace and would probably not handle bush-flying. It’s only used by the Japanese military anyway, no civilian use, so not an option.
Then there’s the Beriev Be-200ES. Sleek. Kinda long-range. But, it’s a jet. And I want prop or turboprop. So no go. Probably too expensive anyway. (Coz hey, even in dream I have a limited price range)
However, a visit to the Beriev site shows they are possibly developping a true successor to the Catalina: The Be-114. Big spacious cabin, amphibious, twin-prop and more importantly, 4,900 km range. It would apparently even have STOL capabilities thrown in for good measure, how’s that? It looks a bit boxy in the concept but I managed to find pics of an actual model of it (scroll down) and it does look pretty cool. Its little brother the Be-112 is also interesting, with the unusual engine configuration, but the range on that one is an unknown.
Pretty cool uh? Versatile, roomy, long-range and amphibious. If it’s certified for single-pilot operation, as a circumnavigating “flying yacht” it will be perfect.
