Grumman HU-16 Albatross

The amphibious aircraft built for long-range search and rescue

Overview

Grumman United States ICAO: U16 1949–1961 Active $9 million

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a twin-engine amphibious aircraft developed for maritime patrol and rescue missions. Designed to operate from both land and water, it served extensively with U.S. and international forces. The aircraft became synonymous with Cold War air-sea rescue operations.

Live Fleet Activity (U16)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone 9
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 1,425 hp · 1,063 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
30
Crew
—
Cabin width
7 ft 6 in  ·  2.28 m
Cabin height
6 ft 4 in  ·  1.93 m
Cabin length
26 ft 2 in  ·  7.98 m
Exterior length
62 ft 10 in  ·  19.16 m
Tail height
25 ft 10 in  ·  7.87 m
Fuselage diameter
7 ft 10 in  ·  2.40 m
Wing span
96 ft 8 in  ·  29.46 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
37,500 lb  ·  17,000 kg
Max landing weight
33,000 lb  ·  15,000 kg
Max payload
10,000 lb  ·  4,550 kg
Fuel capacity
1,710 gal · 6,500 L · 4,700 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
205 kt  ·  236 mph  ·  380 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
70 kt  ·  81 mph  ·  130 km/h
Range
2,480 nm  ·  2,850 mi  ·  4,590 km
Fuel burn
1.48 nm/gal  ·  0.72 km/L
Ceiling
21,500 ft  ·  6,600 m
Rate of climb
1,450 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,500 ft  ·  760 m
Landing distance
1,350 ft  ·  410 m
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U.S. Navy Grumman HU-16

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Operational Context

Grumman HU-16 Albatross — amphibious search and rescue aircraft

The Albatross first flew in 1947 as a development of earlier Grumman amphibious designs. Entering service in the early 1950s, it was adopted by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. The aircraft featured a high wing, boat-shaped hull, and retractable landing gear to enable amphibious capability.

Powered by two Wright R-1820 radial engines producing approximately 1,425 horsepower each, the HU-16 cruised at around 160 knots (300 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 37,500 pounds (17,000 kg). Range could exceed 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) depending on configuration.

The Albatross conducted countless search and rescue missions over open ocean and remote regions. Its ability to land in rough water made it particularly valuable for downed aircrew recovery. Although retired from military service, many examples continue to fly in civilian and museum roles.