In response to these requirements, Consolidated produced the prototype XPY-1 Admiral, designed by Isaac M. Laddon,[2] in January 1929.

The aircraft represented a marked change from earlier patrol boat designs such as the Curtiss NC.

Wing and tail construction consisted of a metal frame structure covered with fabric, except for metal-covered leading edges.

the good old Consolidated Commodore was the most reliable, trusty air craft of the Pan American fleet during the early 1930s.

The Commodore may be considered a first step in the United States along a road that was to lead to the highly efficient monoplane-type patrol and transport flying boats later in the 1930s.

The XPY-1 and its civil counterpart, the Commodore, may be considered progenitors in a series of flying boat developments that led to the famous Consolidated PBY Catalina of World War II fame.

There is currently an ongoing project to raise and restore this airframe for display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.