Australian Flying Boats

1927 Australia Wackett Widgeon The manufacturer's name, Wackett, referred to Lawrence J. Wackett, former owner of Tugan Aircraft, and at the time in charge of the RAAF Experimental Station. Later he would head Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, and would remain a driving force in Australian aviation development for some years. Lawrence J. Wackett (later Sir Lawrence) was one of the towering figures in the history of Australian aviation covering, as he did, virtually all aspects of activities: pilot, designer of airframes and engines, entrepreneur and manager. Two Wackett Widgeons (Mk. I & Mk.II) were designed and built at the RAAF Experimental Station as general purpose amphibians. The Widgeon 1, a flying boat, was followed by a much larger amphibian, the Widgeon 11, powered by a 440 hp A.S. Jaguar engine. In 1927, the Widgeon 11 undertook a 9,000 mile flight around Australia. Widgeon Mk.II was lost in Hobson's Bay, Port Phillip.