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[[image]][[/image]] PRODUCTION flying boat based on PN series was Douglas PD-1. First of 25 was delivered in 1929. With 525-hp Cyclones, its maximum speed was 121 mph. Detachable beaching gear replaced early cradles. [[image]][[/image]] HALL ALUMINUM XPH-1 was prototyped of lighter weight biplane design. later production versions were in Coast Guard service in early WW II. Note beaching gear carried in rear cockpit and between wings. [[image]][[/image]] TOUCHING DOWN is Martin PM-1, one of 55 PM's built in early Thirties. With 525-hp Cyclones, 15,800-lb take-off weight, maximum range was 1330 miles. Later PM-2's had enclosed cabin for pilots. [[image]][[/image]] WRIGHT CYCLONES powered this 1930 XP4N-1, one of the last Naval Aircraft Factory series of flying boats. Its range with take-off weight of 17,900 lbs. was 1510 miles, its maximum speed was 115 mph. [[image]][[/image]] STREAMLINED NACELLLES and cowlings were features of Keystone PK-1. Open cockpits remained. With Wright Cyclones rated at 575 hp, speed was 120 mph. Eighteen of these boats entered Navy service in 1931. [[image]][[/image]] SIKORSKY AMPHIBIANS, adapted as VP types from commercial S-38 designs, included PS-3 of 1929. Engines were P&W 450-hp Wasps. PS's became RS's with armament removed; served utility squadrons. [[image]][[/image]] MAJOR ADVANCEMENT in flying boat design was seen in Consolidated's XPY-1 in 1929. It was a parasol-wing monoplane, powered by two 450-hp P&W engines. Alternate power plants were three Whirlwinds, with the third mounted above the wing. With 13,700-pound take-off weight, the twin-engined version of the XPY-1 had a range of 1200 miles at 90 mph. Plane's design still featured open cockpits. JULY 1961 27