This was the last USAF HU-16 in operational service and established a world altitude record for twin-engine amphibians when it reached 32,883 ft in July 1973. Two weeks later it was retired and flown to the museum. Since being taken on strength in 1952 it had served in the US, Greenland, Germany, Canada, Japan and Philippines, ending up with the 301st ARRS at Homestead AFB, FL from 1967

Preserved at the museum from 1973. Later moved inside the Modern Flight Gallery.

On display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Photographer: Rainer Haufschild.

This a/c is now on inside display at the museum.

'Chuck's Challenge' was one of the last operational USAF Albatrosses. She set a world altitude record for twin-engined amphibians after reaching 32,883 feet on July 4, 1973 and then promptly retired and flown to the National Museum of the USAF for preservation.