PlaneFox tracks 1 HU-16 Albatross aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
A Grumman / Grumman American HU-16 Albatross flies about 2,478 nm, roughly 4,589 km, which is about 22 h 57 min in still air at typical cruise.
The Grumman / Grumman American HU-16 Albatross is a twin-engine amphibious flying boat developed by Grumman for military search-and-rescue, maritime patrol, and utility transport duties. The type first flew in 1947 and entered production in the late 1940s, with production continuing into the early 1960s. Originally designated SA-16 in U.S. Air Force service, it became HU-16 under the 1962 U.S. tri-service designation system. Its importance comes from its ability to operate from runways, coastal waters, lakes, and sheltered open water, making it a practical long-range rescue and utility aircraft in areas without airport infrastructure.
Typical HU-16 performance depends strongly on variant, loading, and whether the aircraft has a military, cargo, or executive interior. The aircraft is powered by two Wright R-1820 Cyclone nine-cylinder radial engines, commonly rated at about 1,425 hp each on HU-16B-era aircraft. Typical cruise speeds are usually in the 110-130 knot range, with higher speeds possible at increased power settings. Published ferry-range figures vary by version and fuel fit, with long-range Albatross variants capable of more than 2,000 nautical miles under suitable conditions. Service ceiling is commonly listed around 21,500 feet. Maximum takeoff weight on later long-wing HU-16B aircraft is about 37,500 lb; useful load varies substantially with equipment, fuel, interior, and amphibious operating requirements.
The HU-16 was designed around a boat hull with a high wing, large cabin volume, and side sponsons for stability on the water. Military layouts typically carried a crew plus rescue personnel, survivors, stretchers, or mission equipment rather than airline-style seating. Civil aircraft may be configured with utility seating, cargo space, or executive interiors, often in the 8-12 passenger range depending on modifications. Avionics are not standardized like modern production aircraft; most examples have been individually upgraded from analog military panels. Common equipment may include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, modern VHF communication and navigation radios, ADS-B transponders, weather radar, audio panels, and replacement engine instrumentation. Factory Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective avionics were not part of the original aircraft.
Used-market evaluation of a Grumman / Grumman American HU-16 Albatross centers on airframe condition, corrosion control, hull integrity, landing gear condition, engine and propeller times, fuel system status, and documentation quality. Buyers should review water-operation history, spar and wing inspections, control cables, bilge areas, sponsons, and any repairs to the hull or step. The main variants encountered are the shorter-wing HU-16A and the later HU-16B, which introduced a longer wing, enlarged tail surfaces, and improved operating capability. Upgrades can include executive interiors, modern avionics, improved radios, and, rarely, turbine conversions. On the used market, the HU-16 occupies a specialized position: larger and more complex than typical amphibious singles or twins, but valued by operators needing authentic amphibious capability, range, cabin volume, and historic military pedigree.