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HU-16 Albatross
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Photo: Robert Deering 1986 National Museum of Naval Aviation NAS Pensacola (NPA) Pensacola, Florida |
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Though famous for its fighter aircraft, the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Company began its career building floats for seaplanes, and aircraft that flew from the water remained an aspect of the company's business. The last in a line of successful amphibians produced for the Navy, the UF Albatross (redesignated HU-16 in 1962) made its first flight on 1 October 1947, and quickly attracted the interest of not only the sea service, but the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard as well. Featuring a conventional two-step hull, a high wing with fixed stabilizing floats, and a single tail unit, the aircraft's inherent ruggedness enabled it to operate from many harsh environments, which included the Antarctic, Greenland, and Alaska.
In addition, its handling characteristics on the water proved popular for seaplane pilots. As a testament to its capabilities Coast Guard and Navy pilots established seven world-class speed and altitude records with payload in the Albatross during August-September 1962. It was in rescuing others that the Albatross achieved its greatest recognition. The type equipped Air Force air rescue squadrons in both Korea and Vietnam, and the Coast Guard employed them in the lifesaving role as well as in fishery and pollution surveillance. In addition to the United States, the Albatross served twenty-two foreign nations. |
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