J2F-4 Duck

The Grumman J2F‑4 Duck was a single‑engine, amphibious utility aircraft that entered U.S. Navy service in 1935 and remained active through World War II. Developed from the earlier J2F‑2 model, the Duck featured a distinctive retractable main undercarriage that folded into the hull, allowing smooth transitions between land and water operations. Powered by a Wright R‑1820‑94 radial engine delivering 1,050 hp, the aircraft could reach 185 mph and carry up to 2,500 lb of cargo, six passengers, or a crew of two. Its high‑mounted gull wing and watertight fuselage gave excellent sea‑handling, while large—often hinged—air‑brakes aided low‑speed control during deck landings. The J2F‑4 proved invaluable for reconnaissance, air‑sea rescue, liaison, and transport missions in the Pacific theater, where its ability to land on coral atolls and improvised lagoons saved countless lives. Over 500 Ducks were built, and many survived the war as civilian bush planes and fire‑fighting assets. The aircraft’s blend of rugged amphibious capability and reliable performance set a standard for later seaplane designs, cementing the Grumman Duck’s legacy as a versatile workhorse of naval aviation. In the post‑war era, several Ducks were converted for commercial photography and coastal patrol, demonstrating the type’s adaptability long after its military retirement.