Was there an American equivalent to the German ‘Aufklärungsflugzeug’ (aerial reconnaissance aircraft) in terms of effectiveness as a submarine hunter?
I always thought the American Consolidated Catalina was a very impressive aircraft, and it saw service in Britain too. They flew from Midway to recon for the Japanese invasion fleet, they could land and pick up airmen in the sea, but also carried depth charges and guns to bloody any U-Boat unlucky to be caught by them. She was originally designed as a ship hunter killer but found many uses in service and were in great demand.
Best of all they were true amphibians, able to operate from land or sea. To my eye they are beautiful aircraft, the epitome of Form and Function.