Columbia Aircraft J2F-6 Duck
Columbia Aircraft Corporation · USA · first flew 1942 · transport aircraft
The J2F-6 Duck was the final production variant of the Grumman J2F Duck biplane amphibian, notable for being manufactured by Columbia Aircraft Corporation rather than Grumman, which was fully occupied with fighter production. The Duck was a versatile single-float biplane used for utility, rescue, and observation.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Grumman Duck built by Columbia Aircraft
- Single-float biplane amphibian
- Radial engine above upper wing with tractor propeller
Distinctive single large central float with the lower wing passing through it, radial engine mounted high at the front of the upper wing, biplane configuration with N-struts, and conventional twin-float tailplane; the central float design is unique.
Specifications
- The Columbia Aircraft J2F-6 Duck has a length of 10.4 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.9 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 290 km/h (180 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Grumman J2F series served the US Navy from 1936 and proved so useful that production was contracted to Columbia Aircraft when Grumman needed its factories for the F6F Hellcat. The J2F-6 was the largest production run of the Duck, built from 1942 onwards with the Wright R-1820 Cyclone engine.
Variants
The J2F series ran from J2F-1 through J2F-6; earlier marks were built by Grumman, the J2F-6 by Columbia. The J2F-6 was the most numerous and definitive variant.
Where you'll see it
Served extensively with the US Navy and Coast Guard for utility transport, search and rescue, and anti-submarine patrol throughout World War II; a small number served with foreign operators.
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