Grumman HU-16 Albatross

HU-16 Albatross
A U.S. Navy Grumman UF-1 Albatross
General information
TypeAir-sea rescue flying boat
ManufacturerGrumman
StatusIn limited use
Primary usersUnited States Air Force
Number built466
History
Manufactured1949–1961
Introduction date1949
First flightOctober 24, 1947[1]
Retired1995 (Hellenic Navy)
Developed fromGrumman Mallard

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large, twin–radial engined amphibious seaplane that was used by the United States Air Force (USAF), the U.S. Navy (USN), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Royal Canadian Air Force primarily as a search and rescue (SAR) 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. A new build G-111T Albatross with modern avionics and engines was proposed in 2021 with production in Australia to commence in 2025.[2]

  1. ^ Pigott, Peter (2001). Wings across Canada: an illustrated history of Canadian aviation. Dundurn Press. p. 121. ISBN 1-55002-412-4.
  2. ^ "Australia to restart HU-16 production after 60 years". 14 December 2021.