MSFS Grumman J2F Duck

Expert Overview

The updated Grumman J2F Duck mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator masterfully merges its 1930s amphibious heritage with a fully modernized cockpit framework. Its refined flight model, streamlined engine configuration, and enhanced textures provide an immersive biplane experience that captures the spirit of both mid-century military aviation and contemporary sim technology.

Featuring three key variants and a total of 15 liveries (including the famous movie adaptation), this freeware release offers diverse operational roles and visual styles. In my experience testing it, highlights include vigilant attention to detail in aerodynamics, cockpit instrumentation, and weather effects, making this a solid choice for those seeking a robust amphibian adventure in MSFS.

This mod was installed, tested and reviewed by Adam McEnroe for Fly Away Simulation. Adam is an FS mod expert. Read his bio here.

The Grumman J2F Duck for Microsoft Flight Simulator offers an authentic biplane amphibian experience, blending historical accuracy with modern cockpit capabilities. Originally designed in the mid-1930s, this single-engine military amphibious craft provided crucial support during World War II. Now, thanks to flyndive and the original work by Paul Domingue, you can operate this fully native MSFS rendition on both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024.

Evolution of a Classic Biplane

The real-world J2F Duck served across multiple branches of the U.S. armed forces. It featured a radial engine, large floats (built into the fuselage), and a robust airframe for challenging water landings. In its MSFS form, the entire model has been redistributed as freeware, with explicit permission from Paul Domingue to bring his FSX creation into the modern simulator environment. Extensive updates include advanced modeling, texture conversions, refined animations, and improvements to the engine configuration and flight dynamics.

Noteworthy Technical Enhancements

• Flight Model Refinements: Adjusted aerodynamic profiles and engine performance, ensuring authentic handling in diverse conditions.
• Systems and Lighting: Updated cockpit instrumentation, lighting cues, and operational elements such as radios and munitions.
• Sound and Special Effects: Enhanced audio layers and weather effects to reinforce immersion.
• Native Texture Support: Optimized textures for MSFS, preserving optimal quality and performance.

Diverse Variants and Unique Liveries

This package provides three distinct Duck variants: J2F4, J2F5, and J2F6, each reflecting notable design changes from the real aircraft’s evolution. You will find 15 total paint schemes, including the special rendition seen in the movie “Murphy’s War.” That particular variant omits the engine cowling, canopies, and radome, replicating the on-screen appearance with high fidelity.

Future Paint Kit Availability

A dedicated paint kit is in development for those seeking to craft custom liveries, and it will be distributed separately once completed.

Planned Enhancements

Following extensive user feedback, additional tweaks are proposed for future versions, including refined engine cowling geometry on the J2F4, camera position adjustments, and more convenient default parking brake settings. Updates will also optimize airspeed and fuel readouts on the HUD, ensuring a smoother experience.

Recent Update Highlights (v1.2)

• Collision Mesh for MSFS 2024: A full-body mesh prevents avatar walk-through in the new platform build.
• Model Consolidation: Now displayed as a single aircraft entry with selectable variants and liveries in MSFS 2024.
• VR Panel Collisions: Improved panel collision meshes heighten realism in virtual reality.
• Tool-Tip Integration: Fuel selector switch now includes interactive prompts.
• Minor Mesh Pruning: Eliminated duplicated brackets in the wheel well to address visual flickering.
• Pilot and co-pilot representations in MSFS 2024 remain limited by a current simulator bug.

Additional Corrections (v1.1)

• Windshield rain direction fixed on all related glass surfaces.
• Updated throttle, mixture, and prop functionality to mirror realistic cockpit operations.
• Removed extraneous engine cowling elements from the J2F6 variant.
• Tweaked textures and addressed overlapping hatches in the J2F4 model.

Installation and Folder Structure

Inside the ZIP file, you will find the aircraft folder, a brief readme, plus the Grumman J2F Operation Manual. To begin, drop the folder named “flyndive-pd-aircraft-msfs-grumman-duck” (or similarly titled) into your simulator’s Community folder. When upgrading in the future, remove the previous installment before placing the new one to avoid conflicts.

Important Acknowledgments

Development has been shaped by the contributions of many community members. Testers such as Rudder58, Clockstopp3r, GromitZish, Baracus, Eazynotsoeazy48, Sal1800, TerribleGuitarist, and Red_Baron17 played critical roles in detecting issues early on. Moreover, JanKees crafted all exterior liveries, supported interior work, and ensured each variant remains visually captivating.

Usage Rights

This mod is distributed as freeware. You are free to modify it privately; however, you may not redistribute or commercialize any part of this package without explicit consent. The original aircraft design remains credited to Paul Domingue, with conversion and additional development courtesy of flyndive and released on Fly Away Simulation under direct agreement.