Volume 123 of the Naval Fighters series. Grumman's success with its famous JRF/G-21 Goose was so great that Grumman recognised the need for a more affordable, smaller version aimed at smaller companies, executives, celebrities and athletes. This led to the creation of the G-44 Widgeon. It cost around $30,000, which was half the price of a Goose. By 7 December 1941, 30 units had been built for civilian customers, most of which were subsequently put into service with the USAAC or the Civil Air Patrol. Shortly before the Second World War, the Coast Guard ordered 25 units as J4F-1s, which differed from the G-44 in that they had a stretch hatch in the upper fuselage instead of a cabin door. During the war, the USCG used these and 11 J4F-2s from the Navy for submarine patrols. In addition, 12 aircraft were purchased by Portugal, 131 J4F-2s with cabin doors went to the Navy, 17 were loaned to England as Goslings under the Lend-Lease Act, and one was purchased by Paraguay. Brazil also received 14 J4F-2s. After the war, Widgeons were also used by the Thai and Israeli military.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Ginter, Steve
Title
Grumman J4F-1/2 Widgeon/Gosling
Details
English text, paperback, 126 black-and-white and 5 colour photographs, 18 drawings, large format. 40 pages.
State
new
Ginter Books Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
Responsible person
Berliner Zinnfiguren
Knesebeckstr. 88 10623 Berlin Deutschland [email protected]
