The Albatross Returns

Conversion of the Albatross to Resorts International G-111 specifications entails a complete overhaul as well as modification to the airframe and a thorough rebuild of the 1,475 hp Wright radials. New Collins Pro Line avionics replace the nineteen forties vintage navigation and communication equipment, resulting in an immediate weight saving of some 1,500 lbs. Conversion of the HU-16 to the commuter role involves three stages of work. The first stage is the detailed inspection and replacement of parts to produce a zero-time airframe. The second stage revolves around the modernisation of the cockpit and avionics while the final stage is to re-configure the interior to a 28-passenger layout and the modification of the rear passenger door.

Grumman is carrying out the entire refurbishment program at their newly acquired St Augustine Florida facility and is well-equipped to handle every aspect of the modification program. Work on the airframe requires removal of the wing and empennage and detailed inspection of all components and systems with replacements where necessary. All control surfaces are being re-covered with Ceconite. The wing box spars have been re-designed with titanium cap-strips to greatly increase the life limit. The electrical system has been converted to solid state components including Leland electrosystems inverters and voltage regulators. All electrical wiring, hydraulic, air and fuel lines are inspected and replaced as required.

The availability of approximately 200 HU-16s in operation around the world opens up enormous opportunities for this current program to run for a considerable period at a low refurbishment rate. Grumman is in the process of acquiring 42 of its own HU-16s and plans to have aircraft No 3 and 4 ready for delivery by January and April of 1981. Both prototypes have been flying for almost a year while undergoing a rigorous FAA certification procedure. The anticipated production rate will be set at one aircraft every two months with the first eight aircraft going into service with Chalk International.

The basic resale value of a HU-16 is in the $100,000 to $200,000 class and with full modification Resorts and Grumman are hoping to keep the total package cost per G-111 around the one million dollar mark. This represents very good value for a 28-seat commuter aircraft which also embodies the flexibility of an amphibian. Such a service locally could find patronage along the Great Barrier Reef, in some areas of our far north and northwest as well as the Pacific islands in general.