The Grumman HU-16E Albatross comes with the following liveries: Default, Default SAR (Search and Rescue), U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy SAR (Search and Rescue), RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), RCAF SAR (Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue)
The Grumman G-111 comes with the following liveries: Default, BlueBrow, Livery3
The HU-16E Albatross is a twin-engine amphibious seaplane developed and manufactured by American aerospace firm Grumman. The E variant is an evolutionary iteration of the original HU-16 design, the prototype of which took its maiden flight on October 24, 1947. The HU-16E was used by the United States Coast Guard from 1951 to 1983 for several maritime mission sets.
Grumman developed the HU-16 design based on a long lineage of successful amphibious aircraft. The company’s first was the JF Duck, an amphibious biplane that took its maiden flight on April 24, 1933 and was used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. This was followed by the Grumman G-21 Goose, a twin-engine amphibious floatplane that was initially developed as an executive transport. The Goose, which took its first flight on May 29, 1937, proved an exceptional performer. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard used the aircraft for several types of missions. Grumman followed the G-21 with the G-44 Widgeon, a smaller derivative of the Goose, and then the G-73 Mallard, a larger descendant of the Goose that took its maiden flight on April 30, 1946.
Grumman used the Mallard airframe for the base of their G-64 project, a military multi-role amphibious seaplane. The prototype, called the XJR2F-1 Pelican, took its maiden flight on October 24, 1947. The airframe would undergo several evolutionary developments and would ultimately be called the HU-16 Albatross.
The HU-16 features all-metal construction except for fabric-covered elevator and rudder surfaces. It has a deep V-hull, allowing it to operate in rough seas, and a retractable tricycle undercarriage. The main wing is a cantilever design with stabilizing floats.
The HU-16E variant, which was used by the United States Coast Guard, has a larger wing than initial versions, giving it better performance. It proved an exceptional aircraft during its operational tenure for the service as it could operate from both land and water, boasted a spacious interior, was rugged and reliable, and had great endurance. The aircraft, called the “Goat” by its pilots and crew, performed a wide array of missions for the Coast Guard, including maritime search and rescue, patrol, transport of personnel and cargo, medical evacuation, and general maritime operational support. It participated in several specialized and high-profile operations, including patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The HU-16E measures 61 feet, 3 inches in length, stands 25 feet, 10 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 96 feet, 8 inches. It is powered by two Wright R-1820-76B Cyclone 9-cylinder, radial piston aircraft engines that each produce up to 1,425 horsepower. Each engine turns a 3-blade propeller.
The HU-16E has a range of 2,647 miles, a service ceiling of 23,500 feet above sea level, a cruise speed of 161 miles per hour, and a top speed of 242 mph.
| HU-16E ALBATROSS - | |
| G-111 ALBATROSS - | |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 1694 gal |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 1104 gal |
| RANGE | 2300 NM |
| RANGE | 1500 NM |
| CRUISE SPEED | 140 KTAS |
| CRUISE SPEED | 145 KTAS |
| EMPTY WEIGHT | 22,900 LB |
| EMPTY WEIGHT | 23,500 LB |
| MAX WEIGHT | 37,000 LB |
| MAX WEIGHT | 37,000 LB |
