DUCK ON THE WATER
Image by infomatique
DUKWs or "Ducks" as they are affectionately known, were built by General Motors in the United States during World War II. DUKWs weigh about 7 tonnes, are 31 feet long and 8 feet wide. They have six-wheels and can be driven in rear wheel or all wheel drive. DUKWs are an amphibious version of the General Motors Corporation 2-1/2 ton, 6×6 truck and were designed to deliver cargo or troops from ships at sea directly to the shore. About 22,000 DUKWs were built. They were used in both the European and Pacific theatres of operations. DUKWs were designed to withstand driving onto beaches in 15 foot seas. In addition to carrying up to 30 troops or 2 1/2 tons of cargo DUKWs were used in other capacities. Some were mounted with a M2 .50 calibre machine gun, others were outfitted with artillery and used as “firing” platforms. Sometimes DUKWs were lashed together to carry fighter aircraft safely to shore. While DUKWs saw the most action during World War II they remained in use in the United States and Europe right up until the 1970s. More recently they have been used as rescue and underwater recovery vehicles in the United States, the U.K. and other parts of the world. Our Ducks have been mechanically rebuilt and outfitted with comfortable seats, a roof and roll-down sides to protect our guests from the elements. They are licensed by the Department of the Marine, the Department of the Environment and the Garda (police department) for commercial passenger use. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do on our unique duck tours.