G-44 Widgeon
The smallest of Grumman amphibians developed for civil use, the G-44 Widgeon was conceived as a light personal and executive transport, following the success of the larger Goose. The prototype first flew in July 1940, but the impending entry of the US into World War II stalled plans for civilian production.
The first production Widgeon was the military J4F1. The US Navy and US Army Air Forces ordered many Widgeons throughout the war years, others saw service with the US Coast Guard, and 15 were supplied to the British Royal Navy. A total of 176 Widgeons were built for military service during the war.
After the conflict, Grumman refined the Widgeon for commercial use by altering the hull profile for improved handling on water and increasing seating capacity for up to six. Small numbers of Widgeons still fly today. Most are in private hands, while a few are in commercial service.
Specifications (G-44A)
Length: 31 ft 1 in (9.47 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)
Wing area: 245 ft² (22.8 m²)
Empty weight: 3,189 lb (1,470 kg)
Loaded weight: 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 4,500 lb (2,500 kg)
Powerplant: 2× Ranger Engine L-440C-5 inverted inline 6-cylinder engines, 200 hp (150 kW) each
Maximum speed: 139 knots (160 mph, 257 km/h)
Range: 800 nm (920 miles, 1,481 km)
Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (305 m/min)
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