Return of the Turbine Mallard?

Stephen Pope

Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:31 AM ET

Verified

** Turbine Mallard**

Key Takeaways:

A new Texas company, Mallard Aircraft, plans to bring the Turbine Mallard amphibian back into production after more than 40 years.
The newly produced aircraft will feature modern Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines and Rockwell Collins avionics, aiming for a 190-knot cruise speed, 5,700-pound useful load, and capacity for 17 passengers plus two pilots.
Aviation industry veteran Sam Jantzen is leading the program, building on the 1970s work of the late J. Fred Frakes and his company, Frakes Aviation, which still owns the Mallard type certificate.

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A new Texas company called Mallard Aircraft says it plans to bring the Turbine Mallard back into production more than 40 years after the original PT6-powered amphibian first took to the skies.

The newly produced Turbine Mallard would use a pair of Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines and modern Rockwell Collins avionics, according to the company’s website. Based on preliminary specs, the 21st century Mallard would cruise at 190 knots with a useful load of 5,700 pounds and room for 17 passengers plus two pilots.