JRF-4 Goose

The Grumman JRF‑4 Goose is the United States Navy’s official designation for the civilian G‑21 model, a twin‑engine amphibious transport introduced in 1937. Developed from the earlier J2F Duck, the Goose featured a sleek, all‑metal hull, high‑mounted wing and retractable landing gear that allowed operations from both water and conventional runways. Powered by two 450‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engines, it could carry up to eight passengers or 2,000 lb of cargo, with a range of roughly 1,300 mi and a cruising speed near 165 kt. During World War II the JRF‑4 served the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps in roles ranging from liaison and VIP transport to anti‑submarine patrol and air‑sea rescue, proving the value of a versatile amphibian in combat theaters of the Atlantic and Pacific. After the war the aircraft saw extensive civilian use, especially in remote regions of Canada, Alaska and the Caribbean, where its ability to land on lakes and rugged airstrips opened new routes. The Goose’s robust design and pioneering amphibious capabilities influenced later Grumman models such as the HU‑16 Albatross, cementing its place as a landmark in the evolution of multi‑environment aviation.

Grumman

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Design & Classification