Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1 Nomad
Naval Aircraft Factory · United States · first flew 1943 · transport aircraft
The Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1 Nomad was a refined development of the Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina with a redesigned hull offering better hydrodynamic characteristics, built by NAF for Lend-Lease supply to the Soviet Union.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.45 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Redesigned Catalina hull with increased deadrise and taller tail fin
- Pure flying boat — no retractable amphibious gear
- Twin R-1830 radials on parasol wing above revised hull
Closely resembles the PBY-5 in silhouette but has a taller, more triangular tail fin and a visibly different hull cross-section with more deadrise below the waterline step.
Specifications
- The Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1 Nomad has a length of 19.45 m (64 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 31.7 m (104 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 283 km/h (176 mph).
- Typical crew: 9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Naval Aircraft Factory undertook a hull redesign programme to address sea-handling limitations of the standard PBY, resulting in the PBN-1 with increased hull deadrise, enlarged vertical tail, and greater fuel capacity. Of 138 built, most went to the Soviet Navy under Lend-Lease, where they flew patrol and anti-submarine missions in the Arctic and Pacific.
Variants
The PBN-1 was a pure flying boat (no amphibious gear); its improvements were incorporated back into the Consolidated PBY-6A production line.
Where you'll see it
Operated almost exclusively by the Soviet Navy (VVS VMF) from 1944; a small number served with the US Navy in evaluation and training roles.
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