LU-16C Albatross

The Grumman LU‑16C Albatross is a large, amphibious flying boat that entered service in the early 1950s. Developed from the earlier J2F Duck and the post‑war HU‑16A, the LU‑16C incorporated a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine, a strengthened airframe, and a revised hull that improved seaworthiness and payload capacity. First flown in 1951, the aircraft was quickly adopted by the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force for search‑and‑rescue, maritime patrol, and transport missions. Its high‑mounted wing, twin‑rudder tail, and retractable tricycle landing gear allowed operation from water, conventional runways, and even rough sea states, giving it unmatched versatility for the Cold War era. The Albatross could carry up to eight passengers or a full medical evacuation team, and its generous fuel capacity provided a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles. Over 400 units were built, and the type remained in service for more than three decades, proving critical in numerous rescue operations and in the early development of long‑range over‑water SAR doctrine. Today the LU‑16C is celebrated as a symbol of mid‑century amphibian engineering and continues to inspire modern seaplane designs.

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