This combination was not a great performer, especially on one engine. Widgeons were originally equipped with Ranger 200hp engines and wooden fixed-pitch propellors. After the war, Grumman improved the hull by deepening the "V" on the forward hull to improve water handling. Overall, Grumman produced 276 Widgeons including 176 for the military and 76 G44A models. The French produced a number of Widgeons called SCAN-30s under license. Widgeons have served in militaries all over the world. They would carry 200lb depth charges for submarine hunting and could be armed with guns as well. Widgeons served as observation planes and sub hunters. The G44A was approved in October of 1945. The widgeon was quickly pressed into service in World War II as an Army OA-14 and a Navy J4F-2. The type certificate was issued on April 5, 1941, as a G44. This means that it is a 5 Place cabin amphibian monoplane. Its FAA Type certificate A-734 as 5 PCL-AmFbM. Grumman felt that there was a need for a smaller executive transport plane needed. The Widgeon was developed in 1940 as a smaller version of the venerable G-21 Goose.
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