Mission Overview
A STEAM-Powered Aviation Revolution
This isn't just a restoration — it's a resurrection. Born with roaring Wright R-1820 radials and later retrofitted with Honeywell turboprops, the Albatross is now evolving into something entirely new: a S.T.E.A.M.-Powered aircraft — both literally and philosophically.
S.T.E.A.M. means Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math; and for us it also means Science, Travel, Exploration, Adventure, and Meals. Because this flying lab isn't just about pressure curves and propulsion — it's about grilled fish on the beach, island-hopping joyrides, and lighting up young minds. It's a vessel of curiosity where thrust meets purpose — and learning takes flight.
Why the Albatross
- Amphibious, STOL-capable airframe built for open-water ops, ideal for water-centric energy demos.
- Large internal volume & payload to host boilers, condensers, tanks, batteries, and sensor racks.
- Proven durability for maritime environments and expeditionary maintenance.
Power Architecture (Hybrid)
Primary research focus: steam power for aviation — generation, storage, control, and safety.
Energy Sources
- Solar: wing/float-mounted arrays for hotel loads & pre-heat.
- Water: captured/processed for boiler feed & condenser loop.
- Shore/ship power: rapid turnaround at remote bases.
Propulsion Concept
- Steam cycle R&D: boiler → turbine/expander → condenser → feedwater recovery.
- Hybrid assist: electric drive/battery buffer for taxi, low-power, and redundancy.
- Safety: multi-loop pressure management, emergency venting, thermal shielding.
Payload & "Wireless" Lab
- RF & networking: SDRs, ADS-B, AIS, LoRa/5G testbeds, satcom links, mesh relays.
- Environmental sensing: metocean/atmo stacks, IR/EO, bathymetry (deployable).
- Data systems: edge compute, storage, realtime telemetry, open data pipelines.
Operations Profile
- Island-to-island sorties for renewable tech demos and STEM outreach.
- Beachhead STEM days: hands-on engine room tours, comms labs, and cook-ups (yes, the Meals).
- Remote research: water/solar energy capture trials, condenser efficiency, hybrid takeoff/taxi.
What We're Delivering
- Validated steam-for-aviation subsystems (safe, serviceable, measurable).
- Open, reproducible data on efficiency, reliability, and maintenance paths.
- Education & inspiration—a moving classroom that makes aerospace tangible.
Note on designation: We refer to the legacy airframe as HU-16B "Albatross" and the research platform as the HB-16 conversion. If you prefer a single label across the site, tell me which one and I'll unify it.
Technical Overview
Steam Propulsion Core
- Powerplant: Twin Steam Turbines (1,500 HP class)
- Energy Source: Solar Thermal + Hydrothermal Conversion
- Cycle: Open Exhaust - Atmospheric Vent
- Design Priority: Educational Platform + Proof-of-Concept
Scientific Mission
- Atmospheric: Real-time weather mapping
- RF Engineering: Long-range signal propagation studies
- Renewables: Steam efficiency monitoring
- Payload: Modular sensor bays + community cargo
Why Steam? Why Now?
The future of aviation demands renewable solutions. By resurrecting this Albatross with steam technology, we're:
- Pioneering carbon-neutral aviation technology
- Creating hands-on engineering education
- Leveraging water-based propulsion for marine aircraft
- Closing the loop between wind, water and flight
"I remember feeling thunder from SR-71 engines as a child - that raw power sparked something permanent. Today's youth deserve that same awe for sustainable aviation. Skylab is our classroom in the clouds."
