JF-1 Duck

The Grumman JF‑1 Duck was a rugged amphibious biplane developed in the early 1930s for the United States Navy and civilian markets. First flying in 1931, the Duck combined a conventional welded‑steel tube fuselage with a watertight hull and retractable landing gear, allowing it to operate from aircraft carriers, waterways, and unprepared fields. Powered initially by a Wright R‑1820 Cyclone radial engine delivering 750 hp, later models received the more reliable Pratt & Whitney R‑1830. Its distinctive glazed nose provided excellent forward visibility for reconnaissance and search‑and‑rescue missions, while a large cargo compartment could carry up to 2,500 pounds of supplies or a passenger crew of three. Over 200 Ducks were built, serving extensively in the Pacific during World II where they performed utility transport, anti‑submarine patrols, and medical evacuation. The aircraft’s simple construction, corrosion‑resistant aluminum skin, and the ability to land on both sea and land made it a favorite among pilots operating in remote island chains. The JF‑1 Duck set a precedent for later amphibious designs, demonstrating the strategic value of versatile, carrier‑compatible aircraft in wartime logistics and peacetime rescue operations.

Grumman

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Design & Classification