A legend reborn

The Catalina SPAR, named for its intended missions of support and transport, patrol and interdiction, aerial firefighting, and rescue and medevac, is a twin-turboprop aircraft being developed for FAA Part 25 transport-category certification. The company says it's being designed for a range of 3,000 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 305 knots and seating for up to 40 passengers. Planned capabilities include operations from grass, dirt, snow and ice, along with short takeoff and landing performance.

The original Consolidated PBY Catalina was a flying boat used extensively during World War II for maritime patrol and search and rescue operations, including locating the German battleship Bismarck, and rescuing airmen in the Pacific Ocean.

Catalina is pursuing certification with both the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company has met with both agencies and plans to begin the process in November, according to Bennett Biever, Catalina Aircraft Company's vice president of business development.

"We just started building the Digital Twin of the aircraft which is projected to take 18-24 months," Biever said. Catalina has not yet announced an engine selection. "We are speaking with two engine manufacturers regarding their 4,000-plus shaft horsepower class engines as well as the appropriate propeller providers." 

Catalina plans to move into manufacturing and assembly in November 2028 and build two production prototypes for testing in early 2030. Although Biever said regulatory approval timelines remain difficult to predict, the company estimates FAA and EASA type and production certification in 2033. The price of the aircraft could change, though it is expected to start between $38 million and $41 million.

Catalina plans to move into manufacturing and assembly in November 2028 and build two production prototypes for testing in early 2030. Although Biever said regulatory approval timelines remain difficult to predict, the company estimates FAA and EASA type and production certification in 2033. " Biever said the price of the aircraft could change, though it is expected to start between $38 million and $41 million.

The aircraft is being designed for multiple roles, including aerial firefighting with direct water scooping, maritime patrol, search and rescue, passenger and cargo transport, and disaster response.

Catalina has adopted a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which uses standardized interfaces that allow systems to be upgraded or replaced without redesigning other parts of the aircraft. The company is also evaluating open-architecture standards for avionics, sensors and computing equipment.

An engineering and technology center is planned for Vero Beach, Florida, to support development and certification activities, including a water tank and materials laboratories.

Large, long-range amphibians are rare in modern civilian aviation. If certified, the SPAR would be among a small number of large amphibious aircraft in civilian service.