This HU-16 is one of the last operational USAF
Albatrosses. It established a world altitude record for twin-engine amphibians
when it reached 32,883 feet on July 4, 1973. Two weeks later, it was flown
to the U.S. Air Force Museum.
Grumman HU-16B
Albatross
The prototype Albattoss first flew on Oct. 24, 1947, and soon after the U.S. Air Force ordered a quantity for air-sea rescue duties as SA-16As. Grumman delivered 297 A models to the Air Force, mostly for the Air Rescue Service. In 1962 the USAF changed the designation to HU-16.