Grumman G-73 Mallard

The Grumman G-73 Mallard is a medium, twin-engined amphibious aircraft that Grumman built for commercial use, building on the success of the smaller Goose and Widgeon. It kept their twin radial engines, high wings with underwing floats and retractable landing gear, but added tricycle gear, stressed-skin construction, a two-step hull and wingtip fuel tanks. It was designed for regional airline flying with two pilots and ten passengers, especially harbor-based hops between cities on the Eastern Seaboard. The prototype first flew on 30 April 1946, Grumman built 59 between 1946 and 1951, and production ended when the larger SA-16 Albatross was introduced. Many surviving aircraft have been fitted with modern turboprop engines.