[Cage]

Just remember the larger the load the deeper the aircraft will sit in the water in real life. This causes greater drag in the water which translates to longer take offs. Ok the max range for the PBY is 2,520 miles. With a fuel capacity of 1475 U.S. gallons internal and 1750 U.S. gallons with wing tanks. So each gallon equals 8.66 pounds, which translates to 10148 lbs. and 12040 lbs. weight. The PBY's empty weight: 20,910 lbs. with a max takoff weight of 35,420 lbs. which means you can take off with a load of 14510 lbs. So if you take a fuel load of 50% you will decrease the load to 5074 lbs. and a range of 1260 miles. With 25% fuel weight will decrese to 2537 lbs. and a range of 625 miles. So the lighter the fuel load the shorter the takeoff will be. Now this will be offset by bomb load but not as much. I would suggest 30% fuel load for short range to medium range missions.