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Grumman began the development of the amphibious Albatross during the final phase of Second World War, as a logic evolution of former Goose and Widgeon; the result was an aircraft quite a lot greater than its predecessors, though preserving their general shape.
The prototype, designated XRJ2F - 1, was flewn October 24 th 1947. During the development phase was decided to employ it in antisom missions as PF 1A, but after short was ordered as UF-l for transport and general assignments and, with many designations, for different assignments.
The Albatross entered in service in the USAF, that appreciated its versatility, and ordered it as 16A for search and rescue missions, assignment in which showed great performances. Refinements to the project during the mid 50's brought to versions SA-l6B and UF 2, with increased wing span, enlarged tail and other changes. Subsequently a lot of units of the first series were brought to this standard, and the airplane was exported in various nations.
In 1962 the SA-16A were redesigned as lU 16A,
SA-l6B became I-lU 165, the UFs 1, HU-160 and UF-2, UN 16D. Besides the basic
types developed to performs SAR tasks, Grumman also developed an antisom version,
with radar in the nose, search light, retractable MAD pole in tail and specific
weaponry, including torpedoes and sonobuoys. The greatest part (if not all) of
Albatross for antisom tasks was constituted from modified HU 165, that also maintained
their designation after the transformation; Greek Air Force, the last nation to operatethis aircraft, dismissed them during early 90's .
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ASW version of grumman HU-16 is identifiable by the large search radar in the nose, and from the tail pole, containing th MAD.
Specifications
Northrop Grumman HU-16B Albatross
Type: Amphibious for SAR and maritime antisom patrolling i
Arms: 4 subwing pods
Engines: 2 9-cylinders Wrėght R-1820-76A o 76B da 1098 kW (1492 CV)
Performances: max speed 379 km/h, max cruise speed 362 km/h; ceiling
6550 m; max range with full fuel 4587 km, max patrol range with auxilary tanks
22,9 hrs
Weights: empty equipped 10380 kg; max overload at takeoff 17000kg
Dimensions: wing span 29,46 m; length 19,18 m; wing surface 96,2 sqm
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