J2F-6 Duck

The Northrop‑built J2F‑6 Duck, produced under license by Columbia Aircraft Corporation during World II, was a versatile amphibious biplane that combined rugged utility with naval capability. First flown in 1934 as the Douglas J2F‑1, the type was transferred to Columbia in 1939, where the company refined the airframe, installed a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R‑1830‑94 engine and introduced the distinctive “hand‑cranked” retractable landing gear that allowed seamless transition between water and runway operations. Production of the J2F‑6 began in 1942; only 330 examples were built before the program ended in 1945, but the aircraft saw extensive service with the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Its large, watertight hull, high‑mounted wings, and fold‑away wings made it ideal for rescue missions, artillery spotting, and transport of personnel and supplies in the Pacific theater. The Duck’s ability to land on rough seas and perform short‑field takeoffs earned it a reputation for reliability in hostile environments. Today the J2F‑6 remains a symbol of innovative amphibious design and highlights Columbia Aircraft Corporation’s contribution to wartime aviation engineering. Preserved examples can be seen in several aviation museums, where they continue to inspire enthusiasts with their distinctive silhouette and pioneering seaplane engineering.