Grumman G-44 Widgeon

Grumman G-44 Widgeon
Country	USA
Role	Amphibious transport
First flight	1940
Built	317+

The Grumman G-44 Widgeon is a small, five-person, twin-engine amphibious aircraft. It was designated J4F by the United States Navy and Coast Guard and OA-14 by the United States Army Air Corps and United States Army Air Forces.

Source: Grumman G-44 Widgeon on Wikipedia

Grumman G-44 Widgeon Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Pacific Coast Dream Machines
Photos	70

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Grumman G-44 Widgeon ‘N1340V’ Walk Around
Photographer	Mark Davies
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	16

The Versatile “Little Sister”

The Grumman G-44 Widgeon was developed in 1940 as a smaller, more economical version of the famous G-21 Goose. While originally intended for the civilian executive market, the outbreak of WWII saw the Widgeon “drafted” into service. Its ability to operate from remote waterways made it an ideal coastal patrol and utility aircraft. Despite its small size, it was built with the legendary durability that earned Grumman the nickname “The Iron Works.”

Attribute	Technical Specification (Standard G-44)
Role	Amphibious Utility / Anti-Submarine Patrol
Crew / Capacity	1 Pilot, 4-5 Passengers
First Flight	June 28, 1940
Powerplant	2 × Ranger L-440C-5 inverted six-cylinder inline engines
Horsepower	200 hp (150 kW) per engine
Maximum Speed	153 mph (246 km/h)
Service Ceiling	14,600 feet (4,450 m)
Range	920 miles (1,480 km)

Engineering for the Elements

Inverted Inline Engines: Unlike most Grumman aircraft that used radial engines, the original Widgeon used Ranger inverted inline engines. This gave the nacelles a very slim, streamlined profile, though they were often criticized for being underpowered in high-altitude or “hot” conditions.
The “Super Widgeon” Transformation: After the war, many aircraft were converted by McKinnon Enterprises into “Super Widgeons.” These replaced the Rangers with powerful 270hp Lycoming flat-six engines and three-bladed propellers, dramatically improving performance and safety.
High-Wing Advantage: To keep the engines and propellers clear of salt spray during water takeoffs, the wings were mounted at the very top of the fuselage. This “parasol” effect protected the mechanical components but made pre-flight fuel checks a climbing chore for the pilot.
Boat-Hull Construction: The fuselage was a true flying-boat hull, designed with a “step” on the underside to break water suction during takeoff. It featured a forward hatch in the bow to allow crew members to assist with anchoring and mooring.

A History of Patrols and Pop Culture

The U-Boat Hunter: On August 1, 1942, a U.S. Coast Guard J4F-1 Widgeon (V212) was credited with attacking and damaging the German submarine U-171 in the Gulf of Mexico. This was one of the few instances of a small civilian-style aircraft engaging in heavy combat.
International Duty: The British Royal Navy used the Widgeon during the war, naming it the “Gosling” (a baby goose), keeping with their tradition of naming Grumman amphibians after waterfowl.
“Fantasy Island” Fame: The Widgeon gained late-century fame as the iconic “Ze Plane! Ze Plane!” used in the opening credits of the television series Fantasy Island.
Preservation: Today, the Widgeon remains a highly sought-after “warbird” and bush plane. Several examples are preserved in museums, including the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.