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07/03/2005. Remarks by John Voss: "Originally built as a PB2Y-3 this aircraft was upgraded to a -5R and became a flag transport for high level staff in the Pacific theater of WW II. As an attempt to reduce internal cabin noise some of the transport variants were fitted with four bladed propellers on the inboard engines. This aircraft was purchased surplus by Howard Hughes (as NR69003) following WW II for the purpose of providing a 'training aircraft' in preparation for the flight of his Hercules Flying Boat (also known as 'The Spruce Goose'). After the sole flight of the Hercules this Coronado languished on the seaplane ramp at Terminal Island, California, USA, until the 1970s when it was acquired by the Navy. It is on exhibit at the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. It is the only survivor of the 219 manufactured. Hard to believe but the US Navy mismarked the aircraft. The aircraft is identifed as a "-5R" which were made in 1944-45 yet it has 1942 insignias!" |
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