JRF-3 Goose

The Grumman JRF‑3 Goose is a twin‑engine amphibious aircraft that entered service in the early 1930s, quickly becoming one of the most versatile utility planes of its era. Developed from the original J-2 Goose, the JRF‑3 incorporated a stronger airframe, larger fuel tanks, and a redesigned hull that improved water handling while retaining short‑field runway capability. Powered by two radial engines—typically the Wright R‑975 or the later Pratt & Whitney R‑985—the aircraft could cruise at 180 mph and carry up to eight passengers or a comparable cargo load, making it ideal for both civilian transport and military liaison duties. During World War II the Goose saw extensive use by the U.S. Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and several Allied air services, performing search‑and‑rescue, reconnaissance, and anti‑submarine patrols from remote bases where conventional runways were unavailable. Its rugged construction and ease of maintenance earned a reputation for reliability in harsh environments, from Arctic ice floes to tropical islands. Post‑war, the JRF‑3 continued to serve in commercial bush flying, influencing later amphibious designs and cementing Grumman’s legacy as a pioneer of adaptable, all‑terrain aircraft.

Grumman

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