06/23/2025. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "The last of the PBY-4s was bailed to Consolidated for further design work. It included a retractable tricycle landing gear (which increased its weight by 2,300 lb (1,043 kg)) that was fitted to later Catalinas. It was not fitted with blisters and retained the original shape PBY-4 rudder. It became the prototype of the PBY-5A, designated XPBY-5A it made its first flight on November 2, 1939. Delivered to the USN it was used as a staff transport in both the Atlantic and Panama Canal Zones.

In March 1943 modifications were started, by removing the retractable tricycle landing gear, the aircraft became a flying boat again but was fitted with a PBY-5 tail and blisters on the rear hull. The bow turret was removed in favor of a faired-over clipper-style bow, additional windows were fitted, as well as seatings for a number of passengers. In this format the aircraft was redesignated PBY-5R Sea Mare."