De Grumman G-21 Gans is een amfibische vliegboot ontworpen door Grumman om te dienen als een "forenzen" -vliegtuig met acht zitplaatsen voor zakenlieden in de omgeving van Long Island. De Goose was Grumman's eerste eendekker die vloog, het eerste tweemotorige vliegtuig en het eerste vliegtuig dat in commerciële dienst kwam. Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog werd de Goose een effectief transport voor het Amerikaanse leger (inclusief de kustwacht van de Verenigde Staten), maar ook voor vele andere luchtmachten. Tijdens de vijandelijkheden nam de Goose steeds meer gevechts- en trainingsrollen op zich.
The Grumman G-21 Goose is an American amphibious aircraft developed in the mid-1930s. It was the first monoplane designed by Grumman to enter commercial service. Originally built as a comfortable “commuter” for wealthy businessmen in the Long Island area who needed a reliable way to fly between their estates and New York City, the Goose quickly proved its versatility. Its ability to land on both water and land (thanks to its retractable landing gear) made it highly valued. During World War II, the Goose was adopted by the US military (as the JRF in the Navy/Coast Guard and OA-9 in the Army Air Forces) and the UK’s Royal Air Force for roles including anti-submarine patrol, search and rescue (SAR), and utility transport.
Property
Typical Value (G-21A)
Role
Amphibious Utility Transport / Patrol Bomber
National Origin
Verenigde Staten
Fabrikant
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
First Flight
29 May 1937
Bemanning
1–2 (Pilot, Co-Pilot)
Capacity (Passengers)
5–7 passengers
Lengte
11.74 m (38 ft 6 in)
Spanwijdte
14.94 m (49 ft 0 in)
Hoogte
4.93 m (16 ft 2 in)
Empty Weight
2,437 kg (5,375 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight
3,402 kg (7,500 lb)
Powerplant and Performance
Engine: 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior nine-cylinder, air-cooled radial engines.
Power Output (Total): 670 kW (900 hp).
Propeller: Hamilton Standard constant-speed propellers.
Maximum Speed: 324 km/h (201 mph; 175 kn).
Cruise Speed: 305 km/h (190 mph).
Range: 1,030 km (640 mi; 560 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 6,400 m (21,000 ft).
Design and Unique Characteristics
Hull: All-metal monocoque hull for water operations.
Amphibious Gear: Features fully retractable landing gear, with the main wheels retracting into the side of the hull. The retractable gear provides versatility but adds complexity and weight.
Legacy: The Goose established Grumman as a major player in aviation and led to a line of successful amphibian aircraft, including the larger Mallard and Albatross.
Post-War Service: Many surplus military JRFs were converted back to civilian G-21s, seeing long service in Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean as regional airliners.