Hello,
The Israeli Catalina.
USN number 64017 (c/n 2087) is given as false “3401” in the IAF Museum.
In the 1950’s the original “3401” was said to have been ex USN 08099 that became N94574 then to G-APZA.
BUT
I have also seen that “3401” was USN 48257 (c/n 1619) that became N94574 then G-APZA.
Which was the correct Original G-APZA aircraft 08099 or 48257 ?
Also what is known of the three other Catalina’s, (“3402” “3403” and “3404”)original history ?
Thanks
Alex
By: Alex Smart - 10th March 2011 at 03:43
IDFAF Catalina
Hello David,
I have sent you an e-mail via this forum.
Alex
By: David Legg - 9th March 2011 at 07:54
As you suggest, BuAer 64017 has no histiorical link with the IDFAF but was acquired for the IDFAF museum to represent one of the three that it did operate.
N94574/G-APZA was definitely c/n 1619/BuAer48257 and not BuAer08099 and it certainly served with the IDFAF but I have no proof that it was serial 3401. I have no tie-ups between IDFAF serials and the previous identities of the three Catalinas it operated.
This subject is something of a minefield – if you are researching these aircraft, I would be interested in corresponding with you by PMs.
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March 9, 2011 at 1:42 am