Grumman HU-16 Albatross
| HU-16 Albatross | |
|---|---|
| A U.S. Navy Grumman UF-1 Albatross | |
| General information | |
| Type | Air-sea rescue flying boat |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| Status | In limited use |
| Primary users | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 466 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1949–1961 |
| Introduction date | 1949 |
| First flight | October 24, 1947 |
| Retired | 1995 (Hellenic Navy) |
| Developed from | Grumman Mallard |
The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large, twin-radial engined amphibious flying boat 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.