Will There Be a Resurgence for Seaplanes? Darpa’s Funky Catamaran Demonstrator Gains $40 Million
Not long after news of a refreshed PBY Catalina hits the hangar, another bolus of money begins working its way into the LIberty LIfter program, a distributed thrust, ground-effect seaplane designed for tactical airlift in oceanic regions. It’s a bit interesting to compare and contrast the two aircraft, both designed to fulfill a military mission in their respective eras. The Catalina served as a recon, rescue, patrol, and anti-sub aircraft throughout WWII, later giving way to a waning interest in the pacific front as strategic enemies fell into history.
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