The most successful aircraft of its type ever built, the venerable PBY served in every branch of the armed services. Anti-submarine, patrol bomber, cargo transport, convoy escort, search and rescue, it did it all. It was big and slow, but it was extremely rugged and reliable. Many a pilot downed in the Pacific was grateful to see the familiar shape of the PBY appear overhead. The aircraft remained in military service into the 1980's. Over 4000 aircraft were built.