GRUMMAN J2F “DUCK”€

1933’€“45

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Grumman J2F Duck was a general utility amphibian produced from 1933 to 1945, with the J2F6 being the most common of its nine series.
  • Originally employed for diverse roles including photography, target-towing, scouting, and rescue work, it featured a unique lower compartment for extra crew or a stretcher.
  • While typically a two-seater, its design allowed for flexible capacity during rescue missions.
  • Only two J2F Ducks are currently known to be active, though several more remain registered.
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grumman
STANDARD DATA: Seats 2. Gross wt. 7,290. Empty wt. 5,445. Fuel capacity 150. Engine 1,050-hp Wright Cyclone nine-cylinder radial.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 190. Cruise mph 106. Initial climb 1,330. Range 850. Ceiling 21,000.

Production of this general utility amphibian began in 1933 when the first prototype flew, and production continued until 1945. In all, nine series of the Duck were built. The J2F6 was by far the most common. It featured aerodynamic improvements over the previous models, including a long-cord engine cowling. Only two Ducks are known to be active, though several more are registered. The amphibian was originally used for photography, target-towing, scouting, and rescue work. Although the Duck is normally flown as a two-seater in tandem fashion, a folding floor in the rear cockpit gives access to a lower compartment for use in rescue work and the like; the lower compartment could house either two extra crew members or a stretcher. Some models of the Duck were powered by the 725-hp Wright Cyclone engine.

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