Bird Innovator - A Four Engine Catalina
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- The Bird Innovator was a four engine conversion of a PBY Catalina. The conversion was unusual but quite practical and improved the performance with one engine (either main or auxiliary) failed. Dr. Forrest Bird was a fascinating character, a link to a series of interviews with him is here: • My Interview with Dr. ...
Music: ‘Honeysuckle’ by Honeyroot.
Photos: Air-Britain, TIME magazine, Loomis Dean, Jack Meaden, Dave Welch, Brian Bickers, Gary Vincent, Geoff Goodall, Bill Blanchard, Andy Martin, Ellis Chernoff and others. I try to contact photographers where possible but this is not always successful. Please contact me if you want a credit in the description and your name will be added. These films are made for interest, not profit, and any revenue generated is only used to fund more content.
Newspapers and Journals: British Newspaper Archive and others.
Aerial photos: ‘Britain From Above’ and others.
#pby #catalina #canso #bird #birdinnovator #flyingforfun #innovator #aeronca #aeroncac2 #aeroncac3 #aeronica #airknocker #flyingbathtub #douglasdc3 #douglasc47 #spitfire #hurricane #worldwar2 #ww2 #ww1 #airport #airstrip #automobileassociation #rac #aa #vintagesportscarclub #vintageaircraft #vintageaeroplane #vintageairplane #aeroplane #plane #flying #aerodrome #england #praga #oldengine #microlight #cornwall #thrustertst #vauxhall1440 #vauxhall #airplane #magneto #lathe #railway #propeller #makingapropeller #pietenpol #fordmodela
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As a 65yr old Australian Registered Nurse, during my time working in surgical theatres as a young man we often used the 'Bird's Machine' respirators and 'Mini Bird's Machines' in Intensive Care units. I never knew of his attachment to aviation history. Thank you.
I was lucky enough to meet Dr. Bird as a young man of about 14 years. He came to our local airport (Fox field outside of Lancaster, California) with the Innovator to pick up his good friend Dr. Greg (I'm afraid I can't remember his first name). I remember quite clearly when my father woke me up early one morning to go out to the airport and wait for Dr. Bird to arrive. The wonderful irony is that Dr. Bird is considered the father of respiratory therapy, my profession for the last 32 years.
David R Lentz, Columbus, Ohio, USA (Sunday, 4 August, 2024)
What a delightful anecdote of your remarkable experience! Thank you for sharing.
I love the Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina U.S. Navy Patrol Bomber Seaplane.
The brilliant Dr Bird indeed , a great inventor . As a GP doctor in Australia , I had come across the Bird respirator being used for patient air evacuations , but I knew nothing about its inventor or origins
In the late 1970's I worked for Pan Air's instrument shop at Lakefront Airport. We worked on the Innovator for months and I went on one of the test flights with a few other mechanics. It was a fun time as I was 19 and learning to fly. Power was first set on the outboard engines then the main engines were advanced for takeoff. After flying around for a while we landed in the ship canal to look for leaks. Most of the interior was left out and after notes were taken about the leaks, we went back to Lakefront. Thanks so much for the video as I didn't know much about Dr. Bird and his life.
Thank you for your emails; without that stimulus, I wouldn’t have made the film 🙂
I remember this aircraft from the 70's and Dr. Bird. In watching this I was expecting to find out the plane had been lost for some reason but I'm glad to see it wasn't. There must have been good reasons for removing the outer engines - complexity of controls and fuel systems I imagine. Thanks for the interesting history of this plane.
Yes, the extra engines and systems were eventually removed due to age and unnecessary complexity. I should have made it clearer in the film that Dr. Bird envisaged using the aircraft for long distance flights, the standard Catalina having been designed with an endurance of up to 24 hours endurance. The auxiliary engines provided an extra margin of safety in the event of a main engine failure whilst flying long distances.
Anything classic, regardless of modifications & their improvements...become insignificant compared to the "stock" versions worth
@@JTA1961 It's not being restored to 'stock' configuration but back to Landseair configuration.
@@FlyingForFunTrecanairThe extra engines also had reversible propellors which the main engines did not, making manoeuvring on the water easier. Plus the extra engines were much further out on the wings giving better turning moment. They always struck me as a good idea. As for extra safety margin, the Twin Wasps are one of the most reliable aero engines ever so I am not convinced that was ever a real reason for the extra engines, it seems to me they were about takeoff and climb power and manoeuvring on water.
@@owensmith7530 The Twin Wasp is, by the standards of the time, a good engine. However, Dr.Bird had two fail, thus prompting the conversion, and I had several fail during my time as a DC3 pilot. The failures are usually not that serious mechanically (cylinder or head failure) but they usually result in an in-flight shutdown because the engine will not run at a high enough manifold pressure to produce thrust, and also to prevent further, more serious, damage. The reversible propellers were mentioned in the film; yes, I'm sure they made for better water handling.
There is a wonderful little museum at the Coeur d’Alene Airport in Idaho that honors Dr Bird and many of his inventions
KCOE
We lived close to the Aurora airport, and saw this aircraft frequently until it was moved into the hanger. Thank you for revealing its history.
This is an outstanding piece of work! Well done! Exceptional! Very enjoyable and extremely well researched! Bravo!
At 1:38 I love how you just gloss over the fact that Bird just borrowed a B-17 to test his regulator. Half expected you to say " Bird soon made his own regulator, which he soon tested at high altitude using a borrowed a B-17, as one does." Brilliant episode. Absolutely enjoyed. Thank you.
If you watch the interviews (link in the description) it becomes clear that a chap could pretty much do as he wanted as a technical pilot in the post war USAF. It was an ideal place for the appropriately named Forrest Bird to experiment.
@@FlyingForFunTrecanair Oh I watched and learn every time I do and am better for it. Thank you for putting the time in and sharing.
@@FlyingForFunTrecanair some people just have the right name for what they do, like the Boeing Executive Juan Trippe. I wonder if there were any sayings at Boeing about their aircraft "being good for Juan Trippe"?
@@greggv8 🤣🤣
I lived in Palm Springs in the late 1970s and remember that plane parked at the west side of the airport by the headquarters of the Byrd corporation. I had no idea that it was the only 4 engine pby Catalina. I had heard it belong to Byrd but didn't know the story on that particular pby. Thanks for the story
My goodness, just when one thought a Catalina couldn’t be made any noisier - what a wonderful contraption! And glad to see your video prowess has broken through the pre-war era…, good stuff!
I first learned of the Innovator from a magazine about 30 years ago. By chance, last week a subscriber email me some photos of it, along with a delightful personal story. To my surprise, there was no film online about the aircraft; surprising given that it is indeed a wonderful contraption. As the good doctor was born in 1921 and both he and the XP3Y-1 first flew in 1935, well, it was a pre-war story at heart!
Late in 1979 while doing some snooping at the old Dhaka airport I found a McKinnon Goose along with all sorts of antique aviation items (engines, wood props etc). Had no idea what it was at that time. Four engines...I was working for Pan Am at the time.
Thank you. That’s the green and white Goose shown in my film, now dismantled and derelict but still allegedly remaining in Dhaka. Was sold to the Pakistan Government in the 1960s so always kept in top condition 🤣
Origins of the famous Bird Respirator. Dr Bird 1921-2015. The same birth and death year of my mother!
Great little video of an interesting aeroplane which I recall being intrigued to see in 1984 while it was incarcerated at Titusville (along with the former "Psychedelic Monster", Jeff Hawke's gaudily painted B-25 used for filming The Battle of Britain in 1968 and latterly restored as a warbird by the Valiant Air Command - fond memories of both my visits to Tico, second time had a ride in a Stinson Junior!)
Thank you. Jeff Hawke, a man worthy of a proper film!
Thank you for this glimpse into the story of a great aircraft modification and a very ingenious man.
Yes, a very clever and humble man. The interviews with him are worth watching, link in the description.
Interesting story. Thank you.
Wow. Thank you so much for making this video. I saw this airplane in the 80’s in Titusville in Florida while in flight school. It has that impound yellow tape around it but I couldn’t help myself and looked through the windows. The setup was incredible. Like a luxury motor home. Kitchen, bunks, lounge. It was the dream retirement airplane to take around the Bahamas. I always wondered what happened to it. I’m so glad it’s in good hands. Thanks again.
My dad work for Dr. Bird in the late 60's early 70's. He reworked the instrument panel of the Innovator when they added the two extra engines. I was about four years old when I saw the Innovator for the first time. Now I am trying to replicate it in a RC Model Airplane. It will be an undertaking.
@@woodfordjordan7902 That's wonderful, thank you for posting your comment.
Fascinating fella! I now know why those respirators we used in the 1970's & 80's had the Bird name on them! Considering the size, they performed perfectly too! Thanks for another excellent video!
Very interesting Story ,as always 👍🛩️🍀all the best 🌞
Thank You!!! You have a Beautiful, Terrific, and Magical Day!!! Sincerely, Kelly
That was super cool.
I have seen a turboprop Grumman goose! There is one flying at least and it was in Hillsboro Oregon not long ago. I love the Northwest, it's a great place for spotting seaplanes.
@@Threetails That’s a McKinnon G-21 conversion; film coming soon 👍
Saw this at Space Centre Exec Airport (Titusville) many moons ago
When I was at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach in the 1980's I flew a training flight into Titusville and SAW this airplane! I always wondered who would add two engines to a Catalina!
Thanks as always Nick - a no-flab, full of facts post yet again. What a polymath Dr Bird was! On his eponymously named YT channel, Calum goes in to the Landseaire Catalina conversions in some detail for those intrigued by this aspect of Dr Bird's multifaceted life.
Calum's channel is one of the very best on RUclips.
I always loved these and wondered why they never tried to squeeze in 2 more engines. There sure was room. The crew chief station and no flaps were always a bad thing too. Flaps seemed an odd thing to never put in the design or even add on later for a plane such as this and the jobs it did.
It's a high aspect ratio wing and the structure is simple and light aft of the spar box. I suspect the addition of flaps was deemed unnecessary in terms of complication and weight.
I was able to go on this plane when it flew into TICO in the late 80s.
Great video. Beautiful airplane.
Always thought it would make a wonderful "house boat."
Ditto the Grumman Goose
Thank you for a very interesting video.
Dr Bird with his Bird mark ventilator was used world wide, it also opened a new medical position called Respiratory Therapist which start for example in late 1960sin Canada
I had seen this plane at Titusville in Florida a few times way back when I was in college at Embry-Riddle in Daytona. I always wondered what the deal was with the extra engines. I thought maybe it was a prop or engine testbed. The times I saw it, it looked to be kept in flyable shape.
I saw the Innovator in Albuquerque in the late 1990s
Fascinating!. Such a beautiful plane.
Yes, it's rather wonderful and eccentric!
Interesting video. Cheers.
That aircraft is currently looking for a new owner to finish the restoration process, which is around 90%, I believe.
They will finish the restoration at its current fbo and shop.
I've seen it, and the workmanship
Is outstanding with NO expenses spared.
It certainly looks like a very comprehensive job, lots of new metal and corrosion proofing. A bit beyond my price range, sadly.
Is it still at Aurora? We lived in Canby, and saw it often until moved into the Aerometal hanger. They also had a couple of restored Douglas DC 3 variants that would fly over the Canby on occasion.
@@steveparsons6324 I believe it is; I live on the east side of the Atlantic Ocean so I can't check easily!
The model was beautiful.
The additional thrust on takeoff would be welcome I suppose!
My father spent a lot of time in the Navy pby version of this back in the war. He said they'd rather sleep on the plane where the rats couldn't get them then sleep on land! Home sweet home!
I've heard that similar used to happen on Short Sunderlands, the crew preferring to live on board.
Free and open minds = Inovation
@@josephcooksley3219 Exactly 👍
Marvelous story.
Great piece. Keep 'em coming!
Could you find some info on the B-17 that was converted into a water bomber. The radials were replaced with turboprops.
@@LeachimSagrav333 www.aerovintage.com/2022/11/25/the-unique-turboprop-b-17/
Thank you. Interesting story indeed. Sad to know now it crashed.
@@LeachimSagrav333 Yes, the turboprop B-17 deserved a better fate ☹️
I've seen this plane parked at TICO, about 25 years ago.
Wow! As a (retired) aircraft maintenance engineer, my feeling is that servicing of the additional engines would have added to the unpleasantness! While an AME in Timmins, with Austin Airways, our two PBY 5As suffered no engine failures. My first solo runup on any commercial aircraft, as a fresh AME, was on a Catalina, CF-DFB, and its engines survived my neophyte incompetence!! My thought is, adding more complications to a problem won't necessarily solve the problem. But, I love the video, Nick!! Thank you, and I hope you're well!
I've had more in flight shutdowns of R1830 Twin Wasps than any other engine type, all on Douglas Dakotas. Usually cylinder failures but enough to prevent it developing any useful power. Unfortunately I couldn't find any specific flight details of the shutdowns that Bird had before the conversion, suffice to say I understand they flew a long way on the remaining engine. The two auxiliary engines certainly added to the engine-out safety of the aircraft, but at some cost in terms of complication and maintenance; one wouldn't want to fall off the ladder!
@@FlyingForFunTrecanair Oh, there's no denying that engine shutdowns occur; just that I experienced only a few, between the two Catalinas we flew and the several C-47s. I had little pleasure exchanging jug #13 on two occasions. What *IS* it with that cylinder!! LOL Still, I am in love with the sounds a radial engine can produce. CAVU, Nick!!
@@kbjerke Yes, it's always the most inconvenient cylinder! I had a couple of heads detach too, just held on by the manifolds and pipework. All quite entertaining.
@@FlyingForFunTrecanair The "pucker factor" always increases exponentially when engines make naughty noises...
According to a document the Bird Corporation published regarding this conversion, Dr Bird suffered two major engine failures in the original verison of this PBY with one happening under IFR conditions. Dr Bird flew this aircraft around the world to demonstrate his respirators so that was his reason for looking at options to enhance safety.
My favourite airplane of all time, and it’s also a boat!
There's something very beguiling about flying boats.
Very interesting person and story.
Very cool👍🏻
Every day a school day!😁
Interesting story, I'm getting that it made 160+knts on 64% power, which would be a pretty good speed for a Catalina. Oh, if only fuel cost 25 cents a gallon!
Incredible man. Rar3 bird. Thank you.
Watched from Old Harbour Jamaica. Catalinas were based in Jamaica during 2WW at NAS Little Goat Island and after the in 47 an airline was formed using Cat..àt Palisadose Field but it was short lived closing in 1953 after a Load Star aircraft the bought crashed on it's first flight killing the CEO and all but one pasenger.
That's interesting stuff, thanks for posting 👍
9nly one four engined Catalina was ever built with the extra weight added by the extra engines on the main spar of the wing and the subsequent strengthening needed plus extra fuel the experiment didn't seem worth the cost
interesting.. I can´t help to think the additional engines did very little
An extra 680 horsepower on take-off, increasing the blown effect on the wing. I've had several engine failures whilst flying the Douglas Dakota (same R1830 Twin Wasp engines) and an extra 680 hp spread across the wing would have made life a little easier. The reversible propellers on the Lycomings must have been very useful for manoeuvring on the water as well.
Must have been very noisy with four engines I’m thinking
Yes, and synchronising all those propellers in flight must have been a challenge. I used to fly a DC6, it had a rudimentary propeller synchronisation system. I also flew the Dash 7 turboprop, that had a very clever electronic system that kept all four propeller synchronised and in phase (the same position).
replacing the piston engines with turboprops and integrating solar panels on top of the wings is my zombie-apocalypse vehicle.
Very Mad Max!
The Waco is pronounced the same as the city in Texas {Way-Co}. 🤠👍
The last time I used the word 'Waco' in a film, I pronounced it 'Way-co' and got told it should be 'Wack-o'. You Americans can't have it both ways!
@@FlyingForFunTrecanair I am Born and raised in Texas Just a few miles from Waco Texas and ALL of Us have For GENERATIONS have pronounced it {Way-Co}!
@@worldtraveler930 Thank you. 'Way-Co' it is. The other chap was a stinker!
Au contraire. The city in Texas is pronounced Way-co with a long 'a' sound. The airplane company is pronounced Wah-co with a short vowel sound as in 'awe'. I've never heard any airplane person pronounce the airplane company any other way, anywhere in the USA. That includes talking with Waco owners amongst the myriad Wacos parked at Oshkosh, b'gosh.
Didn't know.
How about Jac Quisto' Pby with Lycoming's outboard.
The Cousteau PBY didn't have Lycomings fitted.
Wow
Let me guess burns more gas and wont go any faster.
The auxiliary engines weren't fitted to improve cruise speed.
removing the outer lycoming engines is a big mistake ! being the only one of its kind to have that modification !!!!
The outer engines were removed c.1997. They were not needed and would cost more than $100,000 to overhaul.
I'd rather have a Dornier 26 or a Kawanishi H6K - if four engines. But +1 for just trying 🙂
Loomis Dean? Really?!
Yes, really!
It be much cheaper and simpler to follow the Basler DC3 practice and just swap out the round engines for PT-6s. You can leave the girl with the poka dot bikini the way she is , unmodified.
@@tonylam9548 Not cheap or simple due to C of G issues. The Basler conversion is a lot more than 'just swap out'.
It's pronounced "Way Koe" not "whacko".
The aircraft is pronounced ‘Wah-koh’ according to the Waco Owners Group. It stands for Weaver Aircraft Company and has no connection to Waco, Texas, David Koresh and the God fearing lunatics.
That is NOT a Catalina nor a Canso, that is a NOMAD, as is obvious by the tail. As a result, you have been weighed, and measured in Aircraft Expertise, and found sadly wanting.
Actually it's a CANSO, converted to a LANDSEAIR, then to a BIRD INNOVATOR. Try not to be a pompous bell end.
Mr Thicko, it's not a NOMAD!
The Odekirks' Land-Sea-Air had an ignominious ending (as did the Odekirks) in the Persian Gulf, the remains of the PBY are still there marooned on the sands I believe.
Correction: not the Odekirks but the Kendalls whose Landseaire journey around The Gulf came to an abrupt end in Saudi Arabia.
That was Mr Kendall, not Odekirk. I believe his Catalina was his own conversion, largely a copy of a Landseaire.