AMO 1415 HU-16E

First prototype of amphibia airplane rose into the air in October 1947. Good speed characteristics were ensured by two ten-cylinder engines R-1820-76A, 1425 h.p. each. After the test program, US Navy has adopted new hydroplan for armament. First serial amphibians were produced by Grumman company in June 1949 in SA-16 A version (Search Amphibian). In January 1956 new version SA - 16B was built with the larger wing-span. Hydroplanes were actively used during the Korean war and in Vietnam. After long patrolling, additional fuselage tank and two suspended vessels under the wing were installed - this allowed to prolong the flight, total duration being 12-14 hours. In Korea and in Vietnam crews of amphibians managed to save lifes of 229 pilots. In May 1961 new modification of amphibian SHU-16B with new big radar AN/ASP-88, with antenna that could be removed to the tail part and additional search equipment has arrived for armament. In total 464 aircraft were built in various modifications.

Catalog number: AMO 1415
Scale: 1/144
Type: Seaplane
Period: Cold war (1946-1991)