1937 GRUMMAN GOOSE G21a
The Grumman Goose is a light amphibian
transport plane, originally made in 1937. . A twin-engine amphibian American designed
monoplane seaplane based on a pre-war G-21 design, the Goose had showed remarkable
durability. Originally envisioned as a 6 to 7 seat 'commuter' plane for businessmen in the
Long Island area, the Goose rapidly became the utility plane of choice for several small
air companies, as well as a primary rescue plane for the Coast Guard and other agencies.
Its amphibious nature, generous interior space, and rugged construction enabled the Goose
to go just about anywhere that a plane could conceivably go.
Initially designed as one of Grumman's passenger seaplanes, the aircraft went on to
military use (JRF-1, JRF-6 depending on role), and civil service worldwide. The USN showed
an interest in the amphibious aircraft in 1938, eventually acquiring 222 of the type. The
aircraft also served with the US Coast guard and the US Army before serving in a military
role with Britain, Canada, France, and Portugal. The Grumman Goose served with the Fleet
Air Arm from 1942 until well after the war with 55 being delivered mostly to 749 squadron.
The RCAF acquired the first example for use in 1938 and it was employed in communication
and light transportation duties and until just recently the Goose was still in use by the
RCMP. The last Goose registered in active service in Canada was retired in 1986. A total
of 376 aircraft were built. The last new Goose was built in 1945.
The most incredible thing about the Goose is the amount of interior size it has especially
for an aircraft that is only 39 feet long. The Goose theoretically has room for eight
people including the pilot, but that wouldn't be comfortable for very long. A more
realistic figure is a pilot and two or three passengers. Not counting the cockpit, which
is about as roomy as the front seat of a small work truck, nor the closet/toilet area in
the tail, the interior of the plane is about the size of a long van.
The Grumman Goose is still flying in a number of countries around the world, as well as
being preserved in a few naval aviation museums. These days the only Geese in active use
are to be found in the Caribbean or in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest where amphibious
planes are still the most convenient way to get around.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft
Crew/Passengers: two crew & 5-7 passengers
Power Plant: two 450 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr R-985-AN-6 radials
Performance: Max Speed: 201 mph (323 km/h) Cruising Speed: 191 mph (307 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 21,300 ft (6,492 m) Range: 640 miles (1,030 km)
Weights: Empty: 5,425 lbs (2,461 kg) Maximum Take-off: 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg)
Dimensions: Span: 49 ft 0 in (14.95 m) Length: 38 ft 6 in (11.73 m)
Height: 16 ft 2 in (4.93 m) Wing Area: 375 sq ft (34.84 sq m)