Warbird Information Exchange

I am looking for some intel about the ratio of operational hours to maintenance hours for the PBY?

I am in heated debate with my Brother in law about the amount of planes needed to sustain a 360 degree search pattern around Hawaii during Dec 1941.

He says that it would be less than a hundred based on a 3 degree search arc. He also says that it would be a leg of 900 miles out and back. I find this hard to believe

He isn't accounting for routine maintenaince et al. I maintain that several hundred would be a more likely number to maintain constant vigilance and perform necessary

He bases his conclusions on the Number of planes that were in the Islands (81) with VP's 11,14,2,23,and 24.

Any intel on this situation would be greatly appreciated for domestic harmony.


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