Grumman HU-16B Albatross
Manufacturer:
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Grumman Aircraft Co.
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Role/Function:
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Search And Rescue Amphibian
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Serial Number:
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51-7163
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Model Number:
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G-64
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Crew/Passengers:
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4 Crew plus 10 passengers or stretchers or cargo.
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Power Plant:
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2 - 1,425 hp Wright R1820-76
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Performance:
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Max Speed: 236 mp/h
Service Ceiling: 21,500 ft.
Range: 2,850 mi.
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Weights:
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Maximum: 35,700 lbs.
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Dimensions:
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Wing Span: 96 ft 8 in.
Length: 61 ft. 3 in.
Height: 26 ft. 10 in.
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Armament:
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none
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Cost:
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N/A
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# Built:
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464 + 2 Prototypes
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The Albatross was first produced for the. U. S. Navy in late 1947 as the UF-1. A modified version appeared in 1955 as the UF-2. The USAF acquired 305 of them with the majority serving with the Air Rescue Service of MATS under the designation SA-16A with the UF-2 version designated SA-16B. It replaced the PBY-5A Catalina amphibian for air-sea rescue work.
With the uniform designation of all U.S. military aircraft in 1962, the SA-16s became HU-16A and B. The type also was used by the U.S. Coast Guard. It could be equipped with JATO bottles for takeoff assistance. A few Navy Albatrosses were equipped with skis for Antarctic service It has provisions for a crew of four plus 10 passengers or stretchers or cargo. Most were phased out of service in the 1970s; some are still in use by foreign navies. A few saw service with commercial operators but its powerful, fuel hungry engines made it unattractive to most.
On the web at: http://www.hu-16.com/
5050 Santa Fe Drive • Atwater, California • 95301