The Grumman HU-16 Albatross was built for missions beyond the coastline. Serving extensively with the U.S. Air Force, it searched for downed aircrews and carried rescue teams into remote waters where conventional aircraft could only circle overhead. It earned its reputation not through combat, but by helping bring people home.

For the Avios Albatross V3, the previous U.S. Coast Guard finish gives way to the classic USAF Search and Rescue scheme. Its military grey airframe and bold yellow SAR bands recall the aircraft that flew demanding rescue missions during the Korean War and beyond, making the Albatross instantly recognizable as an aircraft with a purpose.

A lighter airframe, functional flaps and inward-rotating propellers deliver stable handling, smooth grass take-offs and impressive low passes. Twin reversing ESCs and a functional water rudder provide confident control on the water. Choose 3S for relaxed scale flying or 4S for stronger performance—then begin your next mission from land or water.

BUILT TO ANSWER THE CALL — WHEREVER IT COMES

Multi-Terrain Rescue Aircraft

Choose your terrain, power up, and begin the rescue mission. From open fields to water and winter surfaces, every environment brings a different way to fly.

GRASSFIELD OPERATIONS WATERAMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS LIGHT SNOWWINTER OPERATIONS

ONE AIRCRAFT•THREE TERRAINS•THREE DISTINCT FLYING EXPERIENCES

Key Product Features

Detailed Performance Highlights

Twin Power. Stable Control.

Two Aerostar 3536 850KV brushless motors drive matched 10x6 three-blade propellers that rotate inward toward each other. This counter-rotating setup reduces takeoff swing and delivers strong, balanced acceleration from grass and water.

With a lightweight 2170g airframe, the Albatross remains stable and forgiving at lower speeds without feeling dull. Open the throttle and it is ready for loops, rolls, inverted flight and sweeping scale passes.

Complete Amphibious Control

Twin 30A reversing ESCs allow the Albatross to back away when it taxis nose-first toward a shoreline, dock or confined corner. Instead of becoming trapped in a dead end—or forcing you to enter the water to retrieve it—you can reverse out, turn around and continue the mission.

A functional water rudder and differential-thrust capability provide precise low-speed steering, while the stepped flying-boat hull, stabilizing wing floats and functional flaps support the complete sequence from water taxi and planing to takeoff, approach and touchdown.

Water-Ready. Field-Friendly.

Splash-protected 9g servos and water-resistant construction help protect the key systems exposed to spray during repeated amphibious operations. A discreet clear water rudder retains full functionality without distracting from the scale appearance.

A low parts count, bolt-on modular wing structure and glass-fibre wing joiners keep assembly straightforward while providing the rigidity required by the Albatross’s 1620mm twin-engine airframe.

VIDEOS FOR THIS PRODUCT

Watch Albatross HU-16 flight reviews, setup guides and quick highlights without leaving this page.

PRODUCT REVIEWS & FLIGHT TESTS

Avios Albatross HU-16 1620mm — Maiden Flights

By BrianPhillipsRC

Avios Albatross HU-16 USAF Search & Rescue RC Flying Boat

By Petrincic Bros RC

Avios Albatross HU-16 — Unbox, Build & Radio Setup

By BrianPhillipsRC

Avios HU-16 Albatross USAF Maiden Flight

By Fat Guy Flies RC

Albatross HU-16 USAF Search & Rescue — Maiden Flight Review

By RICK'S JETS GARAGE

New Warbird Wednesday: Avios HU-16 Albatross USAF

By Fat Guy Flies RC

Avios Albatross HU-16 RC Flying Boat Memories

By Petrincic Bros RC

Avios Albatross HU-16 V3

By Andrew Newton

My Water Maiden: Avios HU-16 Albatross USAF

By Fat Guy Flies RC

SHORT FLIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

The Avios Albatross Flying Boat

By RICK'S JETS GARAGE

Unboxing the New Avios Albatross HU-16 V3

By RICK'S JETS GARAGE

Boat Plane

By 3DPrintHangar_RC

Avios Grumman Albatross FPV

By Germy Ballswell

New Warbird Wednesday: Avios HU-16 Albatross USAF

By Fat Guy Flies RC

Assembling the New Avios HU-16 Albatross V3

By Hangar 14

Albatross HU-16 Flight Highlight

By rcmodellflieger

Albatross HU-16 Flight Reel

By rcmodellflieger

First Windy Flights with the Avios Albatross

By CasselbyRC

RC Sea Plane: Unboxing the Avios Albatross

By CasselbyRC

Technical Specifications

Package Includes

• 1 × Avios Albatross HU-16 V3 PNF airframe with pre-applied USAF Search and Rescue scheme
• 2 × Pre-installed Aerostar 3536 850KV brushless outrunner motors
• 2 × Pre-installed Aerostar 30A RVS reversing brushless ESCs
• 2 × 10x6 three-blade scale propellers with spinner nuts
• Pre-installed 9g splash-protected servos
• Functional landing and take-off flaps
• Navigation lights and clear cockpit glazing
• Clear functional water rudder
• 2 × Stabilizing wing floats
• Glass-fibre wing joiners, wing bolts, screws and required assembly hardware

Required to Complete (Not Included)

• 1 × Suitable radio transmitter and receiver; a minimum 7-channel receiver is recommended to use the reversing ESC function
• 1 × 4S (14.8V) 3000–4000mAh LiPo battery, or 3S (11.1V) 4000–5000mAh LiPo battery for relaxed scale flying
• 1 × LiPo-compatible balance charger suitable for the selected battery
• Y-lead for the navigation-light function and, depending on the radio setup, an additional Y-lead for the two ESCs
• Slow-setting CA or foam-safe glue for the tailplane and fin assembly
• Basic assembly tools, including suitable screwdrivers and hex drivers

Digital Building Manual

The complete digital Albatross V3 manual is available under the “Files” tab on this product page. It includes illustrated assembly instructions, receiver installation guidance, reversing-ESC setup, recommended control throws, the 65–70mm center-of-gravity position, control-direction tests, land and water flying guidance, safety checks, troubleshooting information, spare parts and recommended accessories.