Taking the DUKW's to Water August 1981 On Saturday 15th August 1981 a group of military vehicle enthusiasts associated with the AWDC made an informal appearance at the Maidstone River Festival. Four DUKW's were in attendance and this expedition was an opportunity to test the vehicles, have some fun and get some pictures. The DUKW's were brought by Richard Beddall, Mike Stallwood, Simon MacAllan and Dale Johnson each accompanied by a group of supporters. The name DUKW comes from GMC model nomenclature: D, Designed in 1942 U, Utility K, All-wheel drive W, Dual rear axles The DUKW was built around the GMC six-wheel-drive military truck, with the addition of a watertight hull and a propeller. It is powered by a 4L GMC six cylinder engine. A five-speed overdrive transmission drove a transfer case for the propeller, and a two-speed transfer case drives the axles. The drive to the propeller and front axle are selectable from their transfer cases. A power take-off on the transmission drives an air-compressor and winch. The DUKW weighs 6.5 tons empty and operates at up to 50 miles per hour on the road and 6.3 mph in the water. The DUKW is 9.45m long and 2.51m wide. The DUKW was the first vehicle to enable the driver to control the tyre pressure from the cab. The tyres can be fully inflated for hard surfaces and deflated for soft ground.