PBY nose mod?

ALOHADAVE · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2015 10:03 am

Recently a PBY wreck sunk 7Dec41 in Kaneohe Bay was surveyed.
The bow has 3 round holes in it.
Need PBY experts to take a look at these photos, opinion.

The image of bow shows the three holes. The lower right matches known photos, but the two large very regular round openings are unknown use. Any ideas?

Possible explanations:
1. Unusual field installation of a pair of fixed 20mm cannons mounted in the bow of a PBY-5A, Photo reference PBY Catalina Black Cat Squadron, April of 1944. (photo attached)
2. Modification holes used for bow lights
3. Corrosion caused the holes

First image shows PBY bow early 1942 with the one round hole. What was this hole used for?

you can PM me for higher res photos and more info
ALOHA

Sasquatch · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2015 1:35 pm

As for the large single round hole on the bow, I'm no expert; but when I asked a similar question of the Collings guys about a single round plex hole next to the flat bombsite window, I was told it opened so a bombardier could get his hand outside to wipe down the flat plate plex while in flight. Don't know if this is your answer, but perhaps?

-Tom

David Legg · **Joined:** Sun Dec 31, 2006 1:07 pm **Posts:** 337

Tom - you are correct. That lower hole on the stbd side of the bow was covered in a circular 'lid' which could be removed in flight from inside the bombardier position. This enabled the bombardier to put his arm through the aperture and clean the perspex window normally hidden by the corrugated cover that rolled away from the window like a desktop. That said, not sure what the other two holes or indentations are but certainly not standard. Would need to see other photos or a 'bigger' one before commenting.

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2015 6:34 pm

The upper "holes" are actually where the fairing over the roll-up shutter went. Check out the close-up of the nose on Clifford Bossie's post on this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34229

Clifford Bossie wrote:

ALOHADAVE · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2015 11:18 pm

Thank You Chris Brame. That explains it!

David Legg · **Joined:** Sun Dec 31, 2006 1:07 pm **Posts:** 337

Chris Brame wrote:

The upper "holes" are actually where the fairing over the roll-up shutter went. Check out the close-up of the nose on Clifford Bossie's post on this thread:

Looking closer, I'll go along with that. Well done.

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