This is the final question for Series #16 and as can be seen, we have a huge tie sat this time. The usual 3 tie breaker questions will follow.
This aircraft was a twin engine World War II multi-role aircraft . There were two prototypes, one with water-cooled engines and one air-cooled. The water cooled version was unsatisfactory and no more were built; over 700 air cooled versions were built. Internal frameworks were covered by wired-on fabric. While designed as a replacement for a bomber already in service, it never realized that role due to changing concepts in the military. This aircraft conducted mainly anti-submarine reconnaissance and air-sea rescue functions. It was credited with rescuing crews from a great many downed aircraft.
Name this aircraft. Answer by PM only. Do not answer " Was It " or with a question mark. No changing of an answer after your original submission. Any answer submitted after 1200 hrs E.S.T on the day the answer will post will not count. Answer will post on 11/23/07 at 1200 hrs E.S.T.