Grumman Atalef

Grumman · Israel · first flew 1947 · light aircraft

The Atalef (meaning 'Bat' in Hebrew) is the Israeli Air Force designation for the Grumman HU-16 Albatross, a twin-engine amphibious flying boat used for search and rescue and maritime patrol duties.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Israeli-operated version of Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibian
• High straight wing with twin radial engines
• Boat hull with retractable undercarriage for amphibious operations

Identified as a large twin-radial-engine flying boat amphibian with a high straight wing, boat hull, retractable undercarriage, and outrigger stabilising floats under the wings — identical in appearance to the standard HU-16 Albatross.

Specifications

• The Grumman Atalef has a length of 19.15 m (63 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 29.46 m (97 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 380 km/h (236 mph).
• Typical crew: 4–6.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Israel acquired several HU-16 Albatross aircraft from surplus US stocks and operated them under the local name Atalef. They served the Israeli Air Force in the search and rescue role, particularly over the Mediterranean, from the 1960s through the 1970s.

Variants

The Israeli Atalef was based on the HU-16B variant of the Albatross; no significant local modifications were made beyond Israeli avionics and equipment fits.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Israeli Air Force (Heyl Ha'Avir) in the SAR role; the type was retired as jet-powered SAR helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft became available.

Related aircraft

• Grumman F9F Panther
• Grumman HU-16B Albatross
• Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat
• Grumman AF Guardian
• Aermacchi MB.308
• Aero 45
• Aeronca 15 Sedan
• Armstrong Whitworth A.W.52

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