| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 51-5282 |
| Alternate Serial: | 0-15282 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Grumman G-64 Albatross |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Grumman G-64 Albatross (G-111 / U-16) |
| Aircraft Version: | Grumman HU-16B Albatross |
| C/n (msn): | 163 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Air Force |
| Aircraft Name: | Chuck's Challenge |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Dayton - Wright-Patterson AFB / Patterson AFBMap |
| Region / Country: | Ohio, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KFFO IATA: FFO Local: FFO Other: - |
| Collection: | National Museum of the United States Air Force |
| Photo Date: | 22 November 2022 |
| Photo by: | Arjun Sarup |
| Photo ID: | 565551 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
On display at NMUSAF. The Model G-64 Albatross was a successor to the Goose. The USAF showed an early interest for SAR after the prototype flew on 24 Oct 1947. Originally designated SA-16A by the USAF with 297 aircraft ordered, it flew more of these amphibians than the USN. The improved HU-16B had an increased wingspan and larger control surfaces. USAF Albatrosses served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. This HU-16B was the last operational USAF Albatross, setting a world altitude record for piston twin-engine amphibians of 32,883 feet on 4 July 1973 before being retired to the museum. This photo is copyright © Arjun Sarup, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 21 April 2023, and has since been viewed 262 times. |