The first XP5Y during an early test flight in 1950.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The midnight blue 60-ton XP5Y-1 pictured during its 30min first flight on April 18, 1950.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The prototype Tradewind lifts off from San Diego Bay on its maiden flight on February 25, 1954. The pilot was Don Germeraad.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

A 155mm marine howitzer rolls ashore through the open bow door of an R3Y-2 Tradewind. The 80-ton 'boat was capable of carrying a pay load of guns, trucks or troops more than 2,000 miles.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The first XP5Y nearing completion at the Consolidated-Vultee plant at San Diego, California on April 17, 1949, almost exactly a year from its maiden flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The first XP5Y at speed on the water at San Diego on April 7, 1950.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

Maintenance of the Tradewind’s T40s was relatively simple.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The first prototype XP5Y-1 takes off from San Diego Bay on its first flight - April 18, 1950 - after a run of less than 20sec.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The interior of the Tradewind, looking aft - the ladder leads to the cockpit area.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950

The radio-controlled XP5Y-1 flying model was powered by four 2 h.p. engines and was controlled from a full-sized cockpit mock-up at the seaward side of Lindbergh Field.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair P5Y / R3Y Tradewind - СШАUSA - 1950