One of the most durable aircraft of the post-war period is the Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibian. It was in production during the mid and late 1940's.
Specially configured for comm and rescue duties, two HU-16 Albatross' entered service in the RMAF with No. 1 Squadron in 1988. It was envisaged that with Malaysia's increased requirement to operate in the 200 mile EEZ, and the problems of disputed claims in the Spratley islands and atolls in the South China Sea, an amphibious capability was necessary. However, the aircraft could not perform to expectation because of logistic problems. Hence, it was decided to phased it out of service in 1991.
For a bit more of historical details about this particular aircraft, please go to this Canadian site.
