Grumman HU-16 Albatross

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_HU-16_Albatross

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large twin–radial engine amphibious flying boat
that was used by the United States Air Force (USAF), the U.S. Navy (USN) and the
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), primarily as a search and rescue aircraft. Originally
designated as the SA-16 for the USAF and the JR2F-1 and UF-1 for the USN and
USCG, it was redesignated as the HU-16 in 1962.

An improvement of the design of the Grumman Mallard, the Albatross was developed
to land in open ocean situations to accomplish rescues. Its deep-V hull
cross-section and keel length enable it to land in the open sea. The Albatross
was designed for optimal 4-foot (1.2 m) seas, and could land in more severe
conditions, but required JATO (jet-assisted take off, or simply booster rockets)
for takeoff in 8–10-foot (2.4–3.0 m) seas or greater.


Role
Air-sea rescue flying boat

Manufacturer
Grumman

First flight
October 24, 1947

Introduction
1949

Retired
1995 (Hellenic Navy)

Status
Limited Civilian Service

Primary users
United States Air Force
United States Coast Guard
United States Navy
Hellenic Navy

Produced
1949–1961

Number built
466

The majority of Albatrosses were used by the U.S. Air Force, primarily in the
search and rescue mission role (SAR), and initially designated as SA-16. The
USAF used the SA-16 extensively in Korea for combat rescue, where it gained a
reputation as a rugged and seaworthy craft. Later, the redesignated HU-16B
(long-wing variant) Albatross was used by the U.S. Air Force's Aerospace Rescue
and Recovery Service and saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War. In
addition a small number of Air National Guard air commando groups were equipped
with HU-16s for covert infiltration and extraction of special forces from 1956
to 1971. Other examples of the HU-16 made their way into Air Force Reserve air
rescue units prior to its retirement from USAF service.

The U.S. Navy also employed the HU-16C/D Albatross as a search and rescue (SAR)
aircraft from coastal naval air stations, both stateside and overseas. It was
also employed as an operational support aircraft worldwide and for missions from
the former NAS Agana, Guam during the Vietnam War. Goodwill flights were also
common to the surrounding Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in the early
1970s. Open water landings and water takeoff training using JATO was also
conducted frequently by U.S. Navy HU-16s from locations such as NAS Agana, Guam;
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii; NAS North Island,
California, NAS Key West, Florida; NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS Pensacola,
Florida, among other locations.

Many surplus Albatrosses were sold to civilian operators, mostly to private
owners. These aircraft are operated under either Experimental-Exhibition or
Restricted category and cannot be used for commercial operations, except under
very limited conditions.

In 1997 a Grumman Albatross (N44RD), piloted by Reid Dennis and Andy Macfie,
became the first Albatross to circumnavigate the globe. The 26,347 nmi flight
around the world lasted 73 days, included 38 stops in 21 countries, and was
completed with 190 hours of flight time. In 2013 Reid Dennis donated N44RD to
the Hiller Aviation Museum.

Specifications (HU-16B)

General characteristics
Crew: 4-6
Capacity: 10 passengers
Length: 62 ft 10 in (19.16 m)
Wingspan: 96 ft 8 in (29.47 m)
Height: 25 ft 10 in (7.88 m)
Wing area: 1035 ft² (96.2 m²)
Empty weight: 22,883 lb (10,401 kg)
Loaded weight: 30,353 lb (13,797 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 37,500 lb (17,045 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 675 US Gallons (2,555 L) internally, plus 400 US Gal (1,514 L) in
wingtip floats plus two 300 US Gallon (1,136 L) drop tanks
Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone 9 nine-cylinder single-row air-cooled
radial engine, 1,425 hp (1,063 kW) each

Performance
Maximum speed: 205 knots (236 mph, 380 km/h)
Cruise speed: 108 knots (124 mph, 200 km/h)
Stall speed: 64 knots (74 mph, 119 km/h)
Range: 2,478 nmi (2,850 mi, 4,589 km)
Service ceiling: 21,500 ft (6,550 m)
Rate of climb: 1,450 ft/min (7.4 m/s)

Armament

None





*