Grumman G-44 Widgeon | |
|---|---|
| 国家 | 美国 |
| 作用 | 两栖运输 |
| 首次飞行 | 1940 |
| 建立 | 317+ |
这 格鲁曼G-44威吉翁 是一架小型的，五人，双引擎两栖飞机。它被美国海军和海岸警卫队指定为J4F，OA-14被美国陆军航空团和美国陆军空军指定为J4F。
| 格鲁曼G-44威吉翁四处走动 | |
|---|---|
| 摄影师 | 弗拉基米尔·亚库博夫 |
| 本地化 | 太平洋海岸梦想机器 |
| 照片 | 70 |
等等，为你搜索格鲁曼G-44威奇恩。。。
| 格鲁曼G-44 Widgeon 'N1340V' 走来走去 | |
|---|---|
| 摄影师 | 马克·戴维斯 |
| 本地化 | 未知 |
| 照片 | 16 |
另请参阅：
The Versatile “Little Sister”
这 格鲁曼G-44威吉翁 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) |
|---|---|
| 作用 | Amphibious Utility / Anti-Submarine Patrol |
| Crew / Capacity | 1 Pilot, 4-5 Passengers |
| First Flight | June 28, 1940 |
| 动力装置 | 2 × Ranger L-440C-5 inverted six-cylinder inline engines |
| Horsepower | 200 hp (150 kW) per engine |
| 最高速度 | 153 mph (246 km/h) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,600 feet (4,450 m) |
| 范围 | 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 国家海军航空博物馆 in Pensacola, Florida.
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