Grumman HU-16-RD “Albatross”

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross was used by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard primarily as a search and rescue aircraft. The Air Force used the aircraft extensively in Korea for combat rescue, where it gained a reputation as a rugged and seaworthy craft.

The Albatross also was used as a passenger airliner serving island destinations in the Pacific and elsewhere. Its deep-V hull cross section enabled it to land in the open sea. It was designed for 4-foot seas but could land in more severe conditions while taking off in 8-10 foot seas using jet-assisted take off (JATO).

This particular Albatross, N44RD, saw adventure in 1997 as a filming platform and safety aircraft in support of a globe-circling expedition recreating the final flight of Amelia Earhart.

Flown by local Bay Area aviators Andy Macfie and Reid W. Dennis, this aircraft became the first Grumman Albatross ever to fly a single purpose mission that circumnavigated the entire world.

Upcoming Events

Helicopter Day

Helicopter Day

Date December 3, 2023Time 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Each Helicopter Adventure starts with an introduction to the development of rotary-wing aircraft and explanation of the parts of the helicopter using a real Scorpion aircraft.

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Bot Bowl

Bot Bowl

Date December 10, 2023Time 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join the Robo Bowl and take a turn commanding programmable robots to run plays in the Hiller Aviation Museum’s own robotic stadium!

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