under some conditions. The XPBY-1 had its maiden flight on 19 May 1936, during which a record nonstop distance flight of 3443 mi was achieved.

The XPBY-1 was delivered to VP-11F in October 1936. The second squadron to be equipped was VP-12, which received the first of its aircraft in early 1937. The second production order was placed on 25 July 1936. Over the next three years, the design was gradually developed further and successive models were introduced.

The aircraft eventually bore the name Catalina

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