Grumman
Grumman G-44 Widgeon
The Grumman G‑44 Widgeon is a compact, twin‑engine amphibious aircraft that first flew in 1940 and entered production at Grumman’s Long Island, New York plant. Designed as a smaller counterpart to the successful G‑21 Goose, the Widgeon was intended for both civilian transport and military utility. During World War II the United States Navy and Coast Guard acquired more than 300 units, designating them J4F and J4F‑2, and employing them for liaison, rescue, and patrol missions in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. After the war the aircraft returned to the civilian market, where its corrosion‑resistant aluminum hull, retractable landing gear, and dual Lycoming or Continental engines made it popular with private pilots and flying clubs for its versatility on water and land. Key features include a high‑mounted wing with flaps, a spacious cabin that can seat up to five passengers, and a robust fixed‑pitch propeller system that provides reliable performance at low speeds. The Widgeon’s straightforward maintenance and ability to operate from remote lakes or short runways contributed to its lasting legacy, influencing later amphibious designs and cementing Grumman’s reputation as a leader in seaplane engineering.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 9.47 metre
- Height
- 3.5 metre
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 4500 metre
- Range
- 1481 kilometre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 345
- First Flight
- 1940
- Service Entry
- 1940
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Grumman
- Developer
- Grumman
- Wikidata ID
- Q1550398