In the annals of military aviation history, the Grumman J2F-6 Duck amphibious biplane holds a distinctive place. Emerging from the innovative minds at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, the J2F-6 Duck carved its niche in a multitude of roles throughout World War II and beyond. Originally springing to life from the Loening OL amphibian design, Grumman took to the skies with the J2F Duck, which was tailored for observation, rescue, transport, and even combat roles such as bombing and depth-charging.
As a workhorse for the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, the Duck demonstrated remarkable versatility. A utility transport at its core, it could be adapted for specific missions, including photoreconnaissance and Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD). The Duck’s international service record was also notable, with air forces from Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico finding use for this amphibious aircraft. In the civilian domain, it transitioned smoothly into roles ranging from firefighting to appearing in movies. A standout example of civilian use was the ferrying of business passengers between Long Island and Manhattan by New York’s Dawn Patrol Seaplane Base.
On April 25, 1933, Grumman test pilot Paul Hovgard piloted the prototype XJF-1 on its maiden flight, departing from a grass strip in front of the Grumman factory in Farmingdale, New York. By the end of World War II, a total of 632 Ducks were constructed by the Grumman Corporation and the Columbia Aircraft Corporation of New York, spanning various versions. Following the war, six Ducks were repurposed by the U.S. Air Force for air-sea rescue operations with the 10th Air Rescue Squadron, designated as OA-12s.
While initially designed for a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and rear gunner under the canopy, certain variants incorporated a third crew position for an observer or radio operator. The main float, located just aft of the lower wing, accommodated two passengers in a compartment. During medical evacuation missions, passenger seating was replaced with a stretcher.
EAA’s J2F-6, Bu 36976, one of the last Ducks commissioned by the U.S. Navy and constructed under license by Columbia in 1944, served during WWII with U.S. Naval Utility Squadrons 4 and 16, as well as aboard the USS Franklin (CV13).
This aircraft was initially registered in the U.S. civil register in 1963 under the ownership of C. E. Crosby from Bellingham, Washington. It changed hands several times before being acquired by Tallmantz Aviation, a renowned aviation film company owned by Hollywood stunt pilots Frank Tallman and Paul Mantz.
In 1972, Carl Mies of Filter Products in Louisville, Kentucky, became the aircraft’s owner. Subsequently, in 1974, Mies generously donated the Duck to the EAA Aviation Foundation. Years later, EAA volunteers, led by EAA member John Pereira, undertook a 14-month restoration project in collaboration with Grumman Corporation at their Long Island facility. The restoration was successfully completed in 1982, and the aircraft was showcased in the EAA AirVenture Museum upon its opening in 1983.
Relevant articles:
– 1944 Grumman (Columbia) J2F-6 Duck – N1196N, EAA | Experimental Aircraft Association
– J2F Duck, Navy (.mil)
– Historic Aircraft – If It Flies Like a Duck . . ., U.S. Naval Institute
– Grumman J2F “Duck”, naval encyclopedia, Sep 18, 2021