First prototype of amphibian 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 hydroplane for armament. First serial amphibians were produced by Grumman company in June 1949 in SA-16A version (Search Amphibian). In January 1956 new version SA-16B was built with the larger wingspan. Hydroplanes were actively used during the Korean War and in Vietnam.
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