(taken
from: "Über uns der Himmel und unter uns die See",
Fischer)
The
history of the Albatross reaches back well into world war II. In
1944 the USAF ordered the development of an amphibious aircraft
which was to be used for training future flying boat crews and serve
as a Search and Rescue aircraft.
Three years later on 24th october 1947 the Grumman's wining proposal,
the Albatross left ground for the first time.
(taken
from: F-40 #15 "Grumman Albatross")
As
the potential of the then used helicopters was deemed unsufficient
in the field of sea rescue, the Bundesmarine decided to obtain five
HU-16B from USAF inventory. These machines were accompanied by a
further three HU-16A coming from US Navy stocks. After a complex
modernization in the begining 1960s, all aircraft received the new
designation of HU-16D.
(taken
from: F-40 #15 "Grumman Albatross")
The
aircraft were used alongside helicopters at MFG 5 in the SAR role
quite effectively. Until 1965 900 sorties were flown and 44 people
rescued from life threatening situations. Furthermore some 100 transfers
of injured, 120 flights during catastrophies, 290 sea rescue and
300 ice rescue missions were flown.
From 1972 onwards it was clear the Albatross would be replaced by
SH-34 and in the near future the britisch SH-3 derivative, the Westland
Mk.41 Seaking. Both very capable SAR helicopters. In may 1972 the
Albatrosses were flown to Hamburg and Bremen to be shipped back
to the USA. Here they underwent another modernization and refitments
by Consolidated Aero Export Corp. and were resold to new users.
