JRF-1 Goose

The Grumman JRF‑1 Goose is a versatile amphibious aircraft that entered service in the late 1930s and quickly became a favorite of both military and civilian operators. Developed from the earlier JF‑1 prototype, the Goose featured a robust welded‑steel tube fuselage, a wooden wing structure and a retractable landing gear that allowed it to operate from water, snow, grass or paved runways. Powered by a 450‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engine, the aircraft could cruise at 170 mph, carry up to eight passengers or a modest cargo load, and achieve a range of roughly 800 miles. Its twin‑float configuration and high‑mounted wing gave excellent stability on water, while the spacious cabin made it suitable for transport, medevac, and anti‑submarine patrols during World War II. After the war, the Goose continued service with commercial airlines, remote‑area bush operators, and coast guards around the world, influencing later amphibious designs such as the Grumman Albatross. The JRF‑1’s combination of reliability, short‑field capability and dual‑environment performance cemented its legacy as an iconic workhorse in aviation history. Today, a handful of restored JRF‑1s fly in museums and private collections, demonstrating the timeless appeal of Grumman’s engineering and inspiring contemporary amphibious projects.