Consolidated PBY-5A Canso A

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Maritime Patrol
  • First Flight: March 1933 (XP3Y-1)
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

Designed specifically for ocean patrol duties, the Canso amphibian had good range and endurance. All Canadian-operated Cansos were built in Canada, either by Boeing Aircraft of Canada or Canadian Vickers Ltd, and many were supplied to Canada’s allies. The Canso was a very successful anti-submarine patrol bomber during Second World War and continued in service with the RCAF until 1962. Many were sold after the war and some were still operating in the Canadian North in the early 1990s.

Even though its wing-tip floats retract for less drag when flying, the Canso is a slow flyer. Crews used to say that it took off, climbed, cruised, landed, stalled, all at 90 mph (150 km/h). In total, 3 431 were built in Canada, the United States, and Russia, more than any other flying boat. Flight Lieutenant D.E. Hornell posthumously won the Victoria Cross for attacking a submarine in a Canso.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 11087 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: Canadian Vickers Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1944
  • Construction #: CV423
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

The Museum’s Canso, built by Canadian Vickers in Montreal, was delivered to the RCAF in 1944, which operated it on both coasts up until 1960. It was transferred to the Museum in 1964.

Specifications

Wing Span:
31.1 m (102 ft)
Length:
19.5 m (63 ft 10 1/2 in)
Height:
6.1 m (20 ft 2 in)
Weight, Empty:
9,485 kg (20,910 lb)
Weight, Gross:
15,411 kg (33,975 lb)
Cruising Speed:
188 km/h (117 mph)
Max Speed:
288 km/h (179 mph)
Rate of Climb:
3,050 m (10,000 ft) / 19.3 min
Service Ceiling:
6,100 m (20,000 ft)
Range:
4,090 km (2,540 mi)
Power Plant:
two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp, 1,200 hp, radial engines