Grumman HU-16

GE90FAN 🇺🇸

22 Mar 2026 · © GE90FAN

A heap of metal is getting ready for the smelter, just off base near Davis Monthan AFB

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Aircraft

HU-16 HU-16 Albatross

Faded former military/Coast Guard markings, some remnants of rescue/surveillance paint

Manufacturer

Grumman

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

3 badges earned

Location

Davis Monthan Air Force Base

DMA/KDMA

32.1488, -110.8510

Open map

Davis Monthan Air Force Base DMA

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The PBY Catalina is one of the most famous and widely used flying boats of World War II, operated by Allied air forces worldwide for patrol, search & rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. Used postwar for firefighting, maritime search, cargo, and as passenger transports.

Fleet Rarity

Very rare: only several dozen airframes survive worldwide, nearly all retired from active flying, many scrapped or in museums.

Record Flights

Long endurance SAR (Search and Rescue) missions, notable WWII rescues over the open ocean, and anti-submarine ‘Black Cat’ night patrols.

Safety & Events

Many heroics including rescues in open seas during WWII, and major firefighting/medevac missions postwar. Notable for very long overwater missions.

Future Outlook

These airframes are derelict—most likely being used for parts, unlikely to fly again; some segments may ultimately be preserved for display or used in film.

Specifications

31.7 m

Wingspan

19.5 m

Length

4,030 km

Range

178 km/h

Speed

Up to 9 crew, capacity for 20 passengers/troops or equivalent cargo

Capacity

16,066 kg

MTOW

6.15 m

Height

895 hp (668 kW) per engine

Thrust

Not rated (pre-ICAO standards, very loud radial engine)

Noise