The Widgeon was originally designed for the civil market.
It is smaller, but otherwise similar to Grumman’s earlier G-21 Goose and was produced from 1941 to 1955.
The aircraft was used during World War II as a small patrol and utility machine by the US Navy, US Coast Guard, and Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.
The first prototype flew in 1940, and the first production aircraft went to the US Navy as an antisubmarine aircraft.
In total, 276 were built by Grumman, including 176 for the military.
During World War II, they served with the US Navy, Coast Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Army Air Force, as well as with the British Royal Navy, which gave it the service name Gosling.
Variants
G-44
Main production variant, this includes the J4F series military variants listed below.
G-44A
Improved post-war production variant with redesigned hull.
J4F-1
G-44 for the United States Coast Guard with three seats.
J4F-2
United States Navy version of the J4F-1 with 5-seat interior.
OA-14
Fifteen G-44s impressed into wartime service with the United States Army Air Forces.
OA-14A
One new aircraft for the Corps of Engineers.
Gosling I
Fifteen J4F-2s transferred to the Royal Navy, later renamed Widgeon I
SCAN Type 30
G-44A Licence-built in France using Metric standards and not Anodized as were original Grumman-built aircraft.
PACE Gannet
Pacific Aerospace Engineering Corporation conversions of S.C.A.N. 30s, powered by 300 hp (220 kW) Lycoming R-680-13 radial engines.
