Amphibious
Grumman J2F Duck
ICAO: J2F
Overview
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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Live fleet activity details
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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.