J2F-1 Duck

The Grumman J2F‑1 Duck was a rugged amphibious biplane developed in the late 1930s for the United States Navy. First flown in 1937, the Duck evolved from the earlier JF‑1 “Duck” prototype and entered service just before World II, where it performed utility, rescue, and anti‑submarine patrol missions from both aircraft carriers and shore bases. Its most distinctive feature was the sealed, boat‑like fuselage that allowed it to land on water as easily as on a conventional runway. Powered by a 1,200‑horse‑power Wright R‑1820 radial engine, the J2F‑1 could reach 180 mph and carry up to 1,200 lb of cargo, personnel, or rescue equipment. The aircraft’s high‑lift wing, large flaps, and robust landing gear gave it short‑runway capability and excellent low‑speed handling, which proved invaluable for ship‑board recovery of downed pilots and for delivering supplies to remote island outposts. Although only a few thousand were built, the Duck’s versatile design set a standard for later amphibious aircraft and demonstrated the strategic advantage of a single platform capable of operating from sea and land, influencing post‑war seaplane development worldwide. The J2F‑1 also saw limited civilian use after the war, serving coastal airlines and search‑and‑rescue operators, further cementing its legacy as a versatile amphibian.