| The
Gweduck is an experimental, twin
engine flying-boat style
amphibian of composite
construction and is reminiscent
of the Grumman style aircraft.
Aircraft development started in
the early 1990's and has focused
on a broad range of issues
including aircraft performance
and handling as well as
manufacturing technologies.
The Gweduck design project was
started as an attempt to build a
composite Widgeon - To eliminate
the extensive corrosion and
maintenance problems so common
to the 40+ year old design. Over
time the project developed into
a ground-up redesign of a
completely new aircraft that
combines the knowledge and
experience of 1940's & 50's
flying boat designs with modern
composite construction, and the
latest in aerodynamic and
hydrodynamic technologies.
The design
was started by Ben Ellison in
the 1990’s and soon there after
included the seaplane design
expertise of Bryan Mahon, a
retired aerospace engineer.
Both Ben and Bryan brought their
extensive backgrounds in
aeronautical engineering to the
project, however additional
engineering help has been
brought into the project as
required for specialized needs.
Manufacturing of the Gweduck has
taken place at several
locations, with the final
integration and completion of
the aircraft occurring at the
Renton, WA facility under the
guidance of Ross Mahon. From
beginning to end the Gweduck
development program has been led
by Ben Ellison and his crew from
the Renton, WA facility.
Many
people have expressed an
interest in the project and this
website hopefully will answer
your questions about the
aircraft and its development
progress. The website will be
updated periodically, however
our primary focus is on
completing the aircraft and
flying it. We have included an
email address in our contact
section if you need to
communicate with us, however it
may be several days before we
respond. In any case we look
forward to meeting with you at
future air shows when the
aircraft is flying!
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