What is this object under the wing of this RCAF Canso (PBY)?

[Maury Markowitz]

I was looking over images on the Canadian Archives site and came across this one of a Canso used for radar testing:

Canso "A" aircraft (radar)

Application Description

recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca

I'm curious about the dark coloured object under the wing, above the radar antenna. I had a look at various PBY images I could find and none of them seem to have this. The upper part looks like a ladder and seems to have hinges, but the lower part, horizontal... no idea.

 

[BiffF15]

I was looking over images on the Canadian Archives site and came across this one of a Canso used for radar testing:

Canso "A" aircraft (radar)

Application Description

recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca

I'm curious about the dark coloured object under the wing, above the radar antenna. I had a look at various PBY images I could find and none of them seem to have this. The upper part looks like a ladder and seems to have hinges, but the lower part, horizontal... no idea.

Looks like a maintenance platform, hung from the wing and engine cowling area, for going walk about.

 

[Maury Markowitz]

So this would be a temporary thing, removed when done?

 

[EwenS]

Here is the model version

PBY Detail Sets Review by Mark Davies (Owl Parts 1/72)

Especially important if you were servicing the engines while the aircraft was afloat. Remove before flight.

 

[fubar57]

Maury Markowitz PM sent

 

[Maury Markowitz]

Here is the model version

PBY Detail Sets Review by Mark Davies (Owl Parts 1/72)

Especially important if you were servicing the engines while the aircraft was afloat. Remove before flight.

Well done, precisely that object.

 

[CATCH 22]

Looks like a maintenance platform, hung from the wing and engine cowling area, for going walk about.

Here's how the platforms were used for engine maintenance:

Source for the above photo.
I'm sure I've seen 4 platforms being used at the same time, but can't find the photo at the moment.

 

[3228]

This is from the PBY manual. We always fly with these work platforms in the Duxford-based G-PBYA although we do not have the centre section. We know them colloquially as the '

diving boards'.

 

[Barrett]

There would be no reason to leave the platform in place if you intend to go flying
Like totally.

 

[Barrett]

So this would be a temporary thing, removed when done?

There would be no reason to leave the platform in place if the crew decided to go flying.

 

[newst]

https://live.staticflickr.com/8617/28330886791_555fc4fc17_b.jpg