The USAF retired it's last operational Grumman Albatross (pictured above) in July 1973, only two weeks after it had set a new World altitude record for an amphibian aircraft of 32,883 feet, however over 30 remain flying in private and commercial hands. It is noteworthy that the Albatross could be fitted with skies to facilitate snow and ice landings and could be fitted with two or four 1,000 lbf 15KS1000 rockets to assist takeoffs. Grumman HU-16 Albatross Specifications: - Crew: Pilot and co-pilot
- Capacity: up to 30 passengers
- Length: 62 ft 10 in (19.16 m)
- Wingspan: 80 ft 0 in (24.4 m)
- Height: 25 ft 10 in (7.8m)
- Empty weight: 20,000 lb (9,100 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 33,000 lb (15,000 kg)
- Engines: Twin 1,425 hp (1,063 kW) Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone 9 radial engine
- Fuel Capacity :1,075 gal plus 2-300 US gal drop tanks (4,000 L plus 1,100 L drop tanks)
- Maximum speed: 205 knots (236 mph, 380 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 130 knots (150 mph, 241 km/h)
- Range: 2,477 nm (2,850 mi, 4,587 km)
- Service ceiling: 21,500 ft (6,553 m)
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