Grumman Widgeon G-44 aircraft were the smallest sea planes produced by Grumman Aircraft.
A Grumman Widgeon first flew on July 22, 1940.
With the U.S. entry into World War II, Grumman Widgeon sea planes were purchased by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy for use in search and rescue, as utility transports and trainers. Eventually even the U.S. Army Air Corps utilized this small, robust aircraft, primarily for observation purposes.
The Coast Guard designated the Grumman Widgeon the J4F4, the Navy designation was J4F-2, and the Army designated the aircraft as the OA-14.
When the war ended, the Grumman Widgeon continued in producing for the civil aviation market.
Power for the original Grumman Widgeon aircraft was by two Ranger engines with a rated output of 200 hp each. A pair of fixed pitch propellers of wooden construction were originally chosen for the aircraft. The engine/propeller combination produced limited thrust and the propellers were quickly replaced by ones made from metal. Although the metal propellers helped produce a bit more thrust, by all accounts the original Grumman Widgeon was under powered. The greatest virtue of the Grumman Widgeon was its robust construction, enabling the aircraft to withstand numerous landings in less than calm waters.
After World War II, lighter, more powerful engines became available to propel the Grumman Widgeon. One of the most used engines was the Lycoming GO-480 producing 270 hp. When fitted to the Widgeon the aircraft became a pleasure to fly.
The Grumman Widgeon became a favorite corporate aircraft for VIP transportation to areas necessitating a smaller transport.
A total of 345 Grumman Widgeon aircraft of all types were manufactured. It is estimated that about 35 are still flying throughout the world.
RC Airplane on the water.