The original design of this “thing” was that of a steam-powered monoplane conceived by Frenchman Alexandre Goupil in 1883. As such, the Duck wasn’t built. Years later, in the middle of his feud with the Wright Brothers, Glenn Curtiss decided to build a sort of replica powered by his classic Curtiss OXX engine. The reason? the original design had a true three-axis control system and Curtiss had been sued by the Wrights who claimed they had patented the whole principle of three-axis control: including Curtiss’ ailerons. He hoped that by successfully flying the aileron-equipped Duck he could prove that the Wright patent was not definitive. The contraction flew in 1917, but in the end Curtiss lost in court. Not a problem. That same year the government, in view of the need of combat aircraft because of WW1, persuaded Orville Wright to release the patent.
Superb in all its bizareness.
Aviation Rapture 
The Curtiss Goupil Dick looks very close to ‘Eole’, by Clement Ader, also Steam powered; the achievement of Besler Steam Airplane https://youtu.be/nw6NFmcnW-8 never got enough praise, nor its technology was further developed. What a pity! Blessings +
Also not far in shape from the Hiram Maxim flying machine, Steam powered, too. Blessings +
It is such a shame that the Wright brothers were so pig headed, set the US back a good decade. Wilbur and Glenn had so much in common! They both likes sports, bicycles, engines and flying. They were both devoted to their sisters. Plus neither smiled much. Glenn lost his front teeth playing hockey!
Stubborn guys.
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