HU-16 Albatross / U.S. NavyGrumman HU 16 Albatross airplane model. Inspired by the performance of the Grumman Goose during WWII, the U. S. Navy solicited Grumman to design a significantly larger amphibian with longer range. In 1944, Grumman submitted and won approval of its design G 64, to be named "Albatross," with accommodation for a crew of four, and a cabin capacity of 10 passengers, stretchers, or 5,000 pounds of cargo, as circumstances dictated. In addition, there were