J2F-3 Duck

The Grumman J2F‑3 Duck was a versatile amphibious aircraft developed for the United States Navy in the late 1930s. Designed as a successor to the earlier J2F‑1, the Duck featured a high‑mounted wing, a powerful Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engine, and a distinctive retractable landing gear system that folded into the hull, allowing seamless transition between water and runway operations. First flown in 1937, the J2F‑3 entered service in 1939 and quickly proved its worth as a utility and rescue platform, capable of carrying up to four passengers, cargo, or a small rescue sled. Its robust steel‑tube fuselage, corrosion‑resistant aluminum skin, and watertight compartments gave it exceptional durability in harsh maritime environments. Throughout World War II the Duck performed a range of missions—air‑sea rescue, liaison, freight transport, and anti‑submarine patrol—earning a reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance. The aircraft’s ability to operate from both carriers and shore bases expanded the Navy’s logistical flexibility. Though production ended after the war, the J2F‑3 Duck remains a celebrated example of early amphibious design, influencing later naval aircraft such as the Grumman HU‑16 Albatross.

Grumman

Classification

Design & Classification