Grumman UF-2
Albatross N115FB (c/n G 462)
The Albatross
was developed by Grumman at the end of WW II as the model G-64 and was
basically
an enlarged Mallard. It saw extensive service with the US Navy
and Coast Guard. This
particular example (BuAer 148327) had been seconded to the Japanese
Self Defense Force in
the
1960s. It is seen here when operated by Chalk's Airline taxiing
alongside Royal Caribbean's
"Song of
Norway". When converted for civil use, the Albatross was known as
the Grumman
. G-111. In
the tri-service rationalization of redesignations in 1962, these
aircraft became known
as the
HU-16D. This machine is now in storage at Falcon Field, Mesa,
Arizona.