Model Airplane News Cover for November, 1968
Grumman Albatross Click to Enlarge

Here is what the blurb about the cover has to say:

"... Incredible Grumman Albatross was designed by Chester Babbin and is powered by two K&B 0.35 [engines]. Designed at one inch to the foot, it has a 96 inch wingspan and weighs 12 1/2 pounds complete with CitizenShip radio equipment. Chet's biggest asset is 400 flat and clear acres that he has made available to free flyers ..."

About the Full Size Airplane

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large twin-radial engine amphibious flying boat. Originally designated SA-16, it was renamed HU-16 in 1962.

  

The Grumman HU-16 "Albatross"
Click to Enlarge

An improvement of the design of the Grumman Mallard, the Albatross was developed to land in open ocean situations to rescue downed pilots. Its deep-V cross-section and substantial length enable it to land in the open sea. The Albatross was designed for 4 ft seas, and could land in more severe conditions, but required JATO for takeoff in 8-10 ft seas or greater.

The majority of Albatrosses were used by the U.S. Air Force, primarily by the Air Rescue Service, and initially designated as SA-16. The USAF utilized the SA-16 extensively in Korea for combat rescue, where it gained a reputation as a rugged and seaworthy craft. Later, the redesignated HU-16B (long-wing variant) Albatross was used by the U.S. Air Force's Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service and saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam conflict.

The U.S. Navy also employed the HU-16D Albatross as a Search And Rescue aircraft from coastal naval air stations, both stateside and overseas. It was also employed as an operational support aircraft worldwide. The HU-16 was also operated by the U.S. Coast Guard as both a coastal and long-range open ocean SAR aircraft for many years.

Here is a video of a restored Albatross in San Francisco harbor

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