@ Orlando, FL
September 2021
Moored at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, this Grumman HU-16D Albatross wears the fictitious livery of Royal Pacific Airways. The Albatross was used by the United States Air Force (USAF), the U.S. Navy (USN) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), primarily as a search and rescue aircraft. Introduced in 1949, the deep-V hull cross-section and keel length of the Albatross allowed landing in open ocean situations to conduct rescue operations. This former US Navy HU-16 finished her flying days with the Smithsonian institution conducting marine research before retirement. Fitted with Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Juniors and four-bladed props from a Vickers Viscount for display purposes. Fuji X-Pro2 w/18-135mm.
