Say Yes to New Adventures
Discover the perfect blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology.
.png)
.jpeg)
We take OVERLAND to a new level
Learn about the design, development history, and technical specifications of the Gweduck, an innovative amphibious aircraft that combines classic design elements with cutting-edge materials and technology.
Adventures Unlocked
The Gweduck was made to explore and reach new destinations with safety, flexibility, and comfort.
.jpg)
Performance Optimized
.jpg)
Our History
In 1990, Ben Ellison and Ross Mahon, a young technician working for Ben, watched a Widgeon land at the Renton Airport near Seattle.
Original Design
With a contemporary twist, the Gweduck is styled along the lines of the original Grumman amphibious aircraft. These robust aircraft led the way to bring aviation into remote and unique parts of the country and the world. Combining decades of experience with a modern airfoil and hull design plus carbon fiber construction the Gweduck creates a superb aircraft for almost any location.
Innovation and Production
Now with over 1400 flying hours on the prototype airframe, the Gweduck has begun production as a kit-built aircraft! Our values of “engineering first” and always looking for improvement are a perfect fit for a custom-built aircraft. We strive to build a strong infrastructure that means we know exactly where each rib and bulkhead is installed and we can put it in the same place every time.
Cutting-Edge Materials
Composite construction excels in three key areas: Strength to Weight, Corrosion Free, and Excellent Formability. Carbon Fiber has high strength and Fiberglass is great for impact resistance. The Gweduck design uses these materials combined with toughened epoxy for over 90% of the airframe. The result is a game changing relationship compared to an all-aluminum aircraft that can be constantly battling the elements and in need of labor intensive, regular cleaning and maintenance.
PERFORMANCE IN THE WATER
Years of design and testing have led to a hull design that has excellent water characteristics. Design concepts learned from the Shin Meiwa flying boats add to an ability to control heavy spray, handle rough waters and provide stable control and predictable response. Reversible props add to maneuverability for beaching, docking and other water operations.
Gweduck Mentions
What others have said about the Gweduck
Blog title heading will go here
Blog title heading will go here
Blog title heading will go here
Blog title heading will go here
Blog title heading will go here
Blog title heading will go here
Nothing Small About It
Water Flying - Not Your Father's Widgeon
Sport Aviation - Big Homebuilt
Water Flying - This is a Big Deal
Water Flying - Burt Rutan Turns to Seaplanes
Water Flying - Coastal Alaska Daytripping
FAQs
Find quick and accessible answers to common queries and concerns about the Gweduck amphibious aircraft.
Not too many.... We have tried to build in desirable features as standard. Customers may custom build their Gweduck with features that are meaningful to them. We offer extended fuel qty from 280 to 360 gallons. Utility Interior is standard. Executive and Overland Interior packages will be released later in 2024. We look forward to supporting additional customer ideas with our in-house design team.
Customers have the freedom to design a panel to their own specifications. We do have a recommended panel design that is an IFR panel. As we partner through our builder assist program, this is a recommendation to simplify design, manufacturing and support.
The clear advantage of an all-composite airframe is that composites will not corrode. This would be great for any aircraft and especially for a seaplane. Twin engines double the amount of maintenance effort inside the cowling compared to a single engine. Due to the high wing and the spray control of the hull, we have seen virtually no additional challenges in our maintenance history since first flying in 2009. The airframe is larger than the average small airplane which actually improves access and inspection clarity.
This depends largely on how loaded the aircraft is. Assuming the plane is at gross weight, the Gweduck can still have positive climb performance up to 2500 MSL. A more lightly loaded aircraft can still climb even over 8000 MSL on single engine.
It is vital that safety stays a top priority. When this is built in to the company it is built in to the aircraft. General design focuses on safety beginning with stable hull design, low stall speed, carbon fiber strength and an airfoil designed for amphibious take-off and landings. Additional features include Inertial reel seatbelts for 6 places, airbag seatbelts for pilot and co-pilot, pilot training, dual bus electrical system, twin engine redundancy, redundant fuel supply and
Downloads
John Doe
Pilot, ABC Airlines
John Doe
Pilot, ABC Airlines
Tom McReynolds
Pilot
,
Owner
Lonnie
Pilot
,
Owner
Penny Nixon
Test-Pilot
,
