Floating cars of the USSR August 29th, 2015
In the middle of the last century, amphibious vehicles were one of those things, along with, for example, spaceships that shaped people's image of the future. And although wide application outside of military missions, waterfowl were not eventually found, they are a very interesting phenomenon. We are offering to you brief digression into history Soviet amphibians.
GAZ-46 "MAV"
"MAV" stood for Small Car Waterfowl. This car, equipped with a four-cylinder engine from Pobeda and a transmission and suspension from the GAZ-69, began to be produced in 1953. On the water, the GAZ-46 moved with the help of a propeller. The purpose is quite standard: the crossing of paratroopers, engineering work on the water and other military missions. The model was copied from American Ford GPA and lasted until 1958.
ZIS-485 "BAV"
“BAV”, as you probably already guessed, is a Big Car Waterfowl. The ZIS-485 could carry 25 people or 2.5 tons of cargo, including even cars and artillery pieces, and the model was copied from another American amphibian, the GMC DUKW-353. Released in 1950, "BAV" lived in mass production for 12 years.
This all-wheel drive motorized cart was created by order of the Airborne Forces for the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield and became the prototype for the legendary Soviet all-terrain vehicle LuAZ-969 "Volyn". The dimensions of LuAZ, as well as the carrying capacity, were extremely small. The volume of the engine did not exceed one liter, and it was driven by wheels. In case of special need, it was possible to control the amphibian in a reclining state.
The predecessor of this model, the amphibian NAMI-011, like the GAZ-46, was copied from the American Ford GPA. NAMI-055 had a more streamlined all-metal hull, a 41-horsepower engine from Moskvich-410 and a rear propeller. As a result, the amphibian, even with a full load of one and a half tons on the water, developed a speed of up to 12 kilometers per hour. The creator of the legendary passenger "Rocket" Rostislav Alekseev was already working on the modification of NAMI-055V - as a result, the hydrofoil model accelerated to 55 kilometers per hour 40 seconds after the start.
VAZ-E2122
It turns out that VAZ also had its own amphibian - its Togliatti people, commissioned by the USSR Ministry of Defense, designed it in 1976 on the basis of the Niva. The waterfowl "Niva" differed from other Soviet amphibians, primarily in that it almost did not look like an amphibian. However, this car equipped with a 1.6-liter engine could move through the water at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour. True, the Togliatti amphibian never saw the conveyor.
UAZ-3907 "Jaguar" is another promising amphibious vehicle that failed to get into mass production. The waterfowl was made on the basis of the UAZ-469 units. The original design had a displacement body and sealed doors. Before rear axle two propellers were installed, and the front wheels performed the function of the rudders. By 1989, 14 Soviet Jaguars were manufactured and the car was put into service. During the tests, the UAZ-3907 sailed along the Volga from Ulyanovsk to Astrakhan and back. But in 1991, all the prospects for a military order and leadership left Ulyanovsk plant decided to stop preparations for mass production of the UAZ-3907.
disembarkation amphibious assault on the coast is one of the most complex types of operations in the modern military era. The difficulty lies in coordinating all the various components of an amphibious landing so that the operation runs very smoothly and accurately. A modern amphibious landing combines a number of actions, such as air support, provision of naval artillery, specialized equipment, for example, ships on air cushion, as well as personnel trained for landing, including careful planning and preparation of all participating components.
Sea attack is one component of an amphibious landing that has been somewhat overlooked by most armed forces in last years. This happened because only a few armies can boast of the strength marines, and even many of those who have them have them only in small numbers. Thus, the need for dedicated amphibious attack weapons is somewhat lower on the priority list than conventional assets such as tanks, frigates and fighters.
Many of armored vehicles currently in service with armed forces around the world have limited amphibious capabilities. However, most of these armored vehicles were not created to overcome large water barriers or to disembark from a ship on their own. Most armored vehicles use their own tracks or wheels to propel themselves through the water, and only a few are equipped with more effective means such as propellers or water cannons. The article will consider a number of modern combat amphibians that are in operation and under development.
General Dynamics Expeditionary Combat Vehicle
The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) is an amphibious landing vehicle from General Dynamics. The EFV, formerly known as the Advanced Amphibious Assaul Vehicle (AAAV), is designed to replace the AAVP7-A1 currently in service with the US Marine Corps, as well as some foreign armies. EFV is designed to achieve multiple important characteristics, namely high speed on the water, good cross-country ability, as well as adequate firepower to support the landing force. The EFV can be landed from a ship at a distance of 20-25 nautical miles on the high seas and is capable of transporting a crew of three and 17 combat-ready Marines. The amphibian is capable of three times the speed of AAVP7-A1. With its high speed, good firepower and protection, the EFV will provide the US Marine Corps with the elements of flexibility and tactical surprise, which is very important for gaining dominance in battle. Its good cross-country mobility also ensures that the EFV can support troops far beyond the original foothold and take the fight deep into enemy defenses.
The combat vehicle is equipped with a retractable hydropneumatic suspension, two jet propulsion units and can move at speeds up to 72 km/h on land and 46 km/h in water. The EFV is equipped with a 30 mm Bushmaster Mk 44 main gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun as a secondary. Ammunition - 600 30 mm rounds and 2400 7.62 mm rounds. The combat vehicle is capable of withstanding 14.5 mm bullets and fragments of 155 mm artillery shells. The EFV is currently (2008) under development for the US Marine Corps, and initial production will begin in 2011 Robert Gates has announced that he recommends closing the EFV program despite spending $3 billion out of a planned $15 billion)
Amphibious combat AAV7A1 from BAE Systems
The AAV7A1 is a proven amphibious combat vehicle developed by BAE Systems' Ground Systems Division. AAV7 was first introduced in 1984. The vehicle is very robust and has very good mobility for transporting troops and supplies from ship to shore. The AAV7A1 family of vehicles includes the AAVC7A1 command vehicle, the AAVP7A1 infantry fighting vehicle and the AAVR7A1 recovery vehicle. The AAV7A1 torsion bar suspension and two water jets with a capacity of 0.9 cubic meters per minute allow the car to develop a cruising speed of 13 km / h, as well as overcome three-meter waves both from the coast and from the sea. On land, the car can reach a speed of 72 km / h. The AAV7A1 is equipped with an automatic 40mm Mk-19 grenade launcher and a 12.7mm machine gun.
In 1998, BAE Systems was selected to participate in the AAV7A1 RAM/RS Reliability, Availability and Maintainability program. The role of BAE Systems was to provide production, logistical support for the production and design of modified hulls for the rear bases of the US Marine Corps. Improvements to the AAV7A1 included Bradley suspension, a more powerful 525 hp turbocharged diesel engine and transmission. Increased commonality with the Bradley BMP allows for improved maintainability of the AAV7A1 RAM/RS. Prior to the implementation of the modernization program, AAV7A1 was equipped with diesel engine V-8 turbocharged 400 hp The AAV7A1 amphibian is currently in service with a number of maritime units around the world, including the US Marine Corps, Royal Thai Marines, Spanish Marines, Republic of Korea Marines, Italian Lagunari and San Marco regiments.
MOWAG Piranha IIIC
Piranha III of the Piranha family manufactured by the Swiss company MOWAG GmbH is one of the most popular armored vehicles currently in service. It has a modular design, a front-mounted power plant, a central transmission and a large usable volume in the rear to accommodate a fire mount, infantry and cargo. The functionality of the entire line of machines is identical and includes amphibious capabilities. The Piranha IIIC is a fully amphibious version of the Piranha III designed for offshore operations.
It has good mobility on rough terrain, independent wheel suspension with coil springs, swivel front axles and rear torsion bars. It also has two propellers for movement on water, capable of moving at speeds up to 100 km / h on land and 10 km / h on water. The Piranha IIIC is equipped with a 25 mm M242 cannon with a thermal imaging sight as the main weapon and a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun as a secondary weapon. Ammunition consists of 240 25 mm rounds and 400 7.62 mm rounds. The machine can fire on the move on land and on water, and is also equipped with eight 76-mm smoke and fragmentation grenade launchers. The landing kit includes a sea water cooling system, a sump pump, closing engine shutters, automatic control blades and double rudders. The Piranha IIIC was ordered for the Spanish and Brazilian Marines.
The Spaniards ordered a batch of 39 cars, consisting of two parts (18 + 21), the cars were produced in Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) and will be delivered from 2009 to 2014. The Brazilian Marine Corps ordered 12 vehicles in two batches (7 + 5), which was announced on December 7, 2007. The US Marine Corps uses a light armored car(Light Armored Vehicle-LAV), based on the car of the Piranha family. So, in February 2006, General Dynamics received a contract for the production of 157 LAV-A2 in six different versions for the US Marine Corps. LAV-A2 is updated version LAV series, which have been in operation since 1980. LAV-A2 is different upgraded suspension, adapted to carry reinforced armor, as well as an automatic fire extinguishing system to protect the crew. The first deliveries of the LAV-A2 were made in October 2007.
Amphibious combat vehicle of the expeditionary forces ACC / E
Lockheed Martin and Gibbs Technologies have agreed to jointly develop a family of new high-speed amphibians. The High Speed Amphibian (HSA) is based on technology used by Gibbs Technologies to develop a fleet of prototype amphibians for the civilian sector, including the Gibbs Quadski - Rover Amphibian, the Gibbs Humdinga - all-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle And Gibbs Aquada- triple sports car. Lockheed Martin and Gibbs Technologies are developing three new amphibious concepts: the Expeditionary Force Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACC-E), the River Combat Vehicle (ACC-R), and the Terraquad.
The two concepts appear to be able to fill the amphibious combat roles. These are the six-meter ACC-E four-wheeled amphibian capable of 128 km/h on land and 64 km/h in water, and the ACC-R, the six-wheeled ten-meter amphibian capable of 112 km/h on land and 64 km/h in water. . The hull is designed to be aerodynamic in road mode and hydrodynamic in the sea. Military version will be able to work in a network for the exchange and dissemination of information from on-board and remote sensors. The machine will be able to accommodate a variety of weapon systems, depending on the specific requirements of the customer. One of the unique features of the ACC-E and ACC-R is the ability to transition into water-to-ground or land-to-water configurations in five seconds. This function is extremely important during coastal, river or sea special operations.
Gibbs Technologies was founded in New Zealand in 1996 and the initial amphibious concept was presented shortly thereafter in 1997. and 1998 in Detroit. In 2006, Gibbs Technologies won a US Department of Defense contract, and in February 2007, the company announced that they had agreed to jointly develop a family of high-speed amphibians for military operations with Lockheed Martin. The machines are currently under development.
Russian developments
Russia has a number of amphibious armored vehicles in service and offered for export. Among them are BTR-90, BMD-3 and BMP-3.
BTR-90 is an armored personnel carrier designed to transport infantry and cargo, as well as for fire support on the battlefield. The BTR-90 is equipped with an independent torsion bar suspension and is capable of speeds of 100 km/h on land and 9 km/h on water. The BTR-90 is equipped with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon and a Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missile system as its main weapon. As an additional weapon, the BTR-90 is equipped with a 30 mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The ammunition load consists of 500 30mm shells, four rockets, 400 30mm VOG-17M rounds and 2,000 7.62mm rounds.
The BMD-3 is a highly maneuverable light armored amphibious tracked vehicle. It can move at speeds up to 70 km/h on land and 10 km/h on water. In terms of armament, this vehicle has much in common with the BTR-90. Like the BTR-90, the BMD-3 is equipped with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon and 9K113 or 9K113M (Konkurs-M) anti-tank guided missiles as its main weapon. As an additional weapon, it is equipped with a 30 mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The ammunition load is up to 500 30-mm shells, four 9K113 rockets or two 9K113M rockets, 290 30-mm VOG-17M rounds and 2000 7.62-mm rounds.
The BMP-3 is one of the most heavily armed armored personnel carriers available on the market today. The BMP can move at speeds up to 70 km/h on land and 10 km/h on water. The BMP-3 is equipped as its main weapon with a 100 mm 2A70 cannon, which is also a launcher for anti-tank guided missiles, and a 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon. The BMP-3 is also equipped with three 7.62 mm PKT machine guns. The ammunition load is 40 100mm shells, eight 9K117 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles, 500 30mm shells and 2,000 7.62mm rounds. The vehicle can cross water obstacles in a three-point wave and fire from the main weapon in a one-point sea state. The BMP-3F variant is designed to operate at sea and is said to have improved seaworthiness and buoyancy. The BMP-3F is said to be able to stay afloat for seven hours and can fire its main armament in 2-point seas. Greece ordered about 415 BMP-3M and 35 BMP-3F. Indonesia has reportedly placed an order for 20 BMP-3Fs.
Chinese developments
China also has several models of armored amphibians. The ZBD2000 is an amphibious armored personnel carrier that appears to be more successful than the ZTS63A (Type 63A) amphibious tank currently in service with the PLA Marine Corps. Three variants of it were identified: a model armed with a 105 mm cannon; a model armed with a 30 mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles, and finally an unarmed transport version of the vehicle. The ZBD97 is another development of an armored amphibious tracked vehicle equipped with a BMP-3 style turret. Two versions were made, an infantry fighting vehicle with 100 mm and 30 mm guns and an armored recovery vehicle. In addition to new amphibious models, the PLA also has several programs to upgrade its older fleet of Type 86 and Type 63 infantry fighting vehicles to increase their amphibious capabilities.
Prospects for Asia
A number of Asian countries have a long coastline, which has led to the development of their own marines. However, most of these marines are equipped with obsolete or almost obsolete equipment, such as the BTR-50P, PT-76 light tanks, LVTP-5 and LVTH-6 infantry fighting vehicles. Some, such as the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand, have relatively modern amphibians AAV7A1, but as with the adoption of the EFV by the US Marine Corps, these should also be replaced or upgraded in the near future. Thus, modern amphibians such as the EFV, Piranha IIIC and BMP-3F will have great prospects in Asia in the coming years, since the air assault vehicles available to the local marines no longer meet the requirements of modern warfare.
Everyone knows that the automotive industry as an industry has been around for a long time. During all this time, engineers have sought to create perfect car that could meet the needs maximum number of people. And therefore, the fact of creating a car for its purpose is not at all surprising, we will consider varieties and features in this article.
Definition
First of all, let's find out what short description this car. From a technical point of view, an amphibious vehicle is a vehicle that is endowed with the ability to move equally well both on land and on the water surface. Simply put, the unit can drive on asphalt, on the ground, ford rivers, etc. Everyone is well aware that the civilian and military industries have always been to some extent side by side. As practice has shown, it was the military who initiated the creation of machines for which there would be no water obstacles.
If we consider the period when it existed, it is worth noting that then there was technical progress, including the automotive industry, which experienced a steady rise. It is the amphibious vehicles of the USSR that deserve special attention.
So, for example, the NAMI-055 car was designed on the basis of the Moskvich-410 car. In this amphibian, the hull was made of all-metal, welded, equipped with a smooth bottom. All wheels were driven, and the suspensions themselves, if necessary, were removed into specially created niches. In the water, the movement of vehicles became possible due to the presence of a propeller mounted on a retractable column. The speed of movement in the water of the car was 12.3 km / h.
In 1989, the NAMI-0281 multi-purpose amphibious vehicle was developed. Its main purpose was the delivery of military rapid reaction units to the place where they performed their assigned tasks. The body of the car had two half-doors, behind which two four-seater seats could accommodate 8 people. The power drive of the machine was installed in the stern. highlight vehicle was an independent adjustable type. It was she who allowed to change the ground clearance. transfer box had two shafts. Through it, power was transmitted to the drive and a forced stop of the differentials was carried out. On a dry surface, the car is capable of speeds up to 125 km / h.
Amazing specimens
A modern amphibious vehicle is no longer only an army servant, but also a vehicle for civilians with a wide range of capabilities. In particular, the Sea Lion is an exclusive development that can reach speeds of up to 96 km/h on water and 201 km/h on land. As a matter of fact, this car was specially invented for fixing world records.
Gibbs Quadski is another novelty that was released in 2012. It combines an ATV and a boat. The car is capable of driving both on land and water at a speed of 72 km / h. She has a reactive marine engine and wheel retraction system.
Gibbs Aquada. amazing car who went down in history. In 2004, it crossed the English Channel in just one hour, forty minutes and six seconds.
Rinspeed Splash. hallmark this machine can be considered the presence of a two-cylinder engine that operates on natural gas and does not cause any harm to the environment.
Do-it-yourself amphibious vehicles are created by an engineer It is he who owns a creation called SeaRoader His futuristic appearance combined with engine power and excellent functionality.
Floating motorhome
Such a car, which in its configuration is more like a bus, is called the Terra Wind. The machine is manufactured by the American company Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International. The huge salon has a set of any kitchen equipment, as well as luxurious furniture, a home theater and even a jacuzzi. Interior decoration is made of wood and leather. The speed of the camper on the water is 13 km/h, and on the ground - 128 km/h. The cost of the car is about 1.2 million US dollars.
Record holder "Guinness Book of Records"
In 2010, the WaterCar Python was listed in this book as the fastest floating car on the planet. Despite the rather creepy appearance(parts from pickups and sports cars were involved in the creation of the car), the amphibian had 640 horsepower under the hood, transforming into 500 forces in the water jet mode. This, in turn, allowed her to gain a speed of 96 km / h while driving on water. On the ground, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in just four and a half seconds.
In conclusion, we note: any amphibious machine, reviews of which may vary depending on its capabilities and build quality, is still a miracle. technical progress, because its versatility has ensured its demand for many years to come. And as reality shows, today's engineers do not stop improving this technique.
Amphibious vehicles able to travel on roads common use like simple cars are registered with the traffic police. And for movement on water, they are registered with the GIMS (State Inspectorate for Small Vessels). The design of the bottom is made in such a way as to develop maximum speed on the water. Moving from land to water, watercar amphibians easily switch to planing speed and in a matter of seconds can turn into boats that can quickly and easily move through the water.
Amphibious vehicles from the American company Water Car (Delivery time to Russia, 6 months, taking into account the queue at the plant in California)
Download commercial offer
Amphibian WaterCar Panther video
Specification
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Water Car Panther |
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Amphibian car (Registration in traffic police + GIMS) |
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Speed on the water |
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ground speed |
190+ km/h |
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Engine: |
Honda 3.7 liter VTEC (250 hp) |
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Number of passengers |
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Transmission |
Mechanical 4-speed |
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Brakes: |
Disc hydraulic |
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Height, cm: |
Height: 1752mm (To top of windshield), 1295mm (When removed windshield), 1117 mm (With windshield and wheels removed) |
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Cooling system |
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Interior of Water Car Panther
The legendary Jeep Wrangler was taken as the basis. IN basic configuration we put vinyl seats and dashboard Jeep Wrangler supplemented with instruments related to the operation of the water cannon and an indicator of the transition from "water" mode to "road".
The seats are designed to make the ride as comfortable as possible, no matter how uneven the road surface. They are made of stainless steel and marine grade vinyl for a truly nautical interior. But, as is usual for such products, corrosion is the main problem. The WaterCar team took care and took into account the possibility of corrosion at each level. All that is possible is made of stainless steel, the rest is either epoxy or other stainless materials. "Panther" is designed for long-term use in aggressive salt water.
The WaterCar Python is manufactured by WaterCar from the Chewrolette Corvette line and is considered to be the fastest car. This car accelerates to 100 km / h in 4.5 seconds, the maximum speed of the amphibian on asphalt is 160 km / h. The weight of the car is 1725 kilograms, and on the water you can safely open the car doors and at the same time the car interior will be absolutely dry. engine amphibious vehicle Corvette V8s are used, from the LS1 to the latest 6.2 liter LS9 which produces 640 hp, the same as the ZR1. It takes 2-3 seconds to turn into a boat, like previous amphibious vehicles. The driver is offered to choose the body color from 60,000 colors and the interior color from 4,000 thousand colors to your taste.
The price of the car is $200,000.
The amphibian Watercar is very reminiscent of chevrolet camaro 2002. The amphibian is equipped with a powerful 2.5 liter Subaru WRX engine and accelerates up to 200 km/h on the road and 74 km/h on the water.
On the water amphibious vehicle moves with the help of a water jet, and its wheels are removed thanks to a hydraulic mechanism. At the car, the frame is made of a rectangular profile and inserted into the car body, and the bottom is made of high-quality fiberglass, in the form of the letter V. The cost of this amphibious vehicle is 150,000 dollars.
Amphibian Aquada
The Aquada is made by Gibbs Technologies, looks like a Mazda 5 with unusual marine bumpers, also without doors, drives great on roads, and also floats on water. The driver's seat and all controls are in the middle, and passenger seats located on the sides, when driving on water, passenger seats can be lifted up. On the water like most amphibious vehicles the wheels are removed into the arches, with the help of one button. Engine - 2.5-liter V6 Land Rover Freelander 175 HP, rear drive. The engine easily accelerates the amphibious track up to 160 km / h, on the water the maximum speed does not exceed 48 km / h. The transformation time into a boat is only 6 seconds. The cost of this amphibious vehicle in England from 139,000 to 260,000 USD.
Almost all manufacturers such as GIBBS, C.A.M.I, Aquada and WaterCar went the logical way, which made it possible for their cars to raise the wheels while driving, and the bottom amphibious vehicle made like ordinary boats, in order not to create resistance when moving. Among developers amphibious vehicles there are those who aspire to do something new and not ordinary, like Rinspeed, who created a unique car splash on hydrofoils that raise the car 0.5-1 meters above the water!
Rinspeed Splash amphibious vehicle
These can quickly and easily move on the ground, and if necessary They they can turn off the road at any moment and continue their travels on the water with a breeze. Among the most unusual amphibious vehicles today is the Rinspeed Splash, it is not at all like other amphibious vehicles, it is the only one that can move through the water with the help of hydrofoils.
The amphibious car Rinspeed Splash (Splash) was released by the Swiss company Rinspeed, which develops unique concept cars. With the help of a hydrofoil system that raises the concept by as much as half a meter from the surface of the water, and thus gives an advantage on the water to reach speeds of up to 84 km/h. On ordinary roads, its maximum speed is 200 km / h, up to a hundred acceleration is only 6 seconds. To use hydrofoils, you need a water depth of 1 meter, if the depth is less than 1 meter you can move with a propeller at a speed of 50 km / h. Hydrofoils can lift a car at a speed of 30 km / h. At amphibious vehicle hydrofoils are located in the thresholds, thus they are hidden and you can easily turn them 90 degrees down, and the rear wing plays the role of an anti-wing when driving, thereby pressing back amphibians to the ground, for a car without passengers, the weight is only 800 kg. The amphibious car has a 750 cc 140 hp engine, also has a turbine that runs on conventional natural gas, when using a turbine, power is transmitted through the system to the rear wheels.
Amphibious vehicles from C.A.M.I. Hydra Spyder
C.A.M.I. The Hydra Spyder is manufactured by C.A.M.I., an American company that also manufactures the C.A.M.I Terra Wind and Hydra Terra buses. Amphibious vehicle, presented as sports car and was featured in the 007 movie "The World Is Not Enough", the Hydra Spyder can comfortably seat four people and pull one more person on water skis. In the basic configuration for amphibians a 6-liter LS2 Corvette V8 engine with 400 hp is installed, turbocharged models are also available, they have a 502 CDI Chevy 500 hp engine, with front-wheel drive. The amphibian is equipped with two front sports seats and flat back. With a load capacity of 3300kg, this weight is distributed to the front of the car by 53% and to the rear of the car by 47%. When entering the water, the driver just needs to press the button and the car will automatically, using a pneumatic system, easily remove the wheels, then change the type of drive to the desired one and after that it will be able to accelerate on the water to a speed of 80 km / h. The cost of such amphibious vehicle is from 155,000 dollars.
On the other hand, there is less sense in such a transformer - a reservoir, unlike the sky, is far from always at hand. And the weather in our area is such that sometimes you don’t feel like swimming at all.
However, it would be nice to ride the waves during the beach season. True, yachts are an expensive pleasure. Well, if own car could soar on the water surface, like a sailboat.
And such machines have been around for a long time. And we are not talking about some kind of military or hunting all-terrain vehicles. Amphibians are found among very comfortable convertibles. And even SUVs.
Ferdinand Porsche, creator of the miniature Volkswagen Beetle, became the author of the all-wheel drive car Kübelwagen, designed for the German army during World War II. In 1941, he produced an amphibious version of the car, and then a smaller amphibious version called the Schwimmwagen.
The floating car, and this is how its name is translated from German, was driven by a 1.2-liter engine with four horizontally arranged cylinders, which also controlled the propeller.
When launched, the amphibious vehicle used its front wheels to maneuver. On land, the propeller rose up, disconnecting from the motor. The Schwimmwagen was heavy and slow, but had good off-road traction.
Amphicar - rear wheel drive amphibious vehicle German made, produced in 1960-1967. He became the first civilian vehicle of this type, launched into mass production.
And although no more than 4,000 copies of the "amphibious" Amphicar cars were produced, you can still meet them. Most of the cars arrived in America and many of them are still "in service".
Amphicar is capable of speeds up to 112 km / h on the "wheels" and up to 8 knots on the water. And his behavior on the road was quite consistent with a good European sedan sample 1960 or "American" from the 1980s.
Its body was made of steel and was absolutely waterproof.
By the way, Amphicar had something in common with the German automotive giants. For example, most brake system and suspensions - from Mercedes, and the "insides" of the transmission and some details fuel system- from the Porsche 356.
The engine was installed at the rear of the floating vehicle. For movement on the water, the same engine launched a pair of reversible propellers.
In 1996, Alan Gibbs, a successful New Zealand entrepreneur and investor, commissioned British sports car manufacturer Lotus to conduct an engineering study on the viability of an amphibious vehicle. This, perhaps, was the beginning of the history of Gibbs Technologies Inc.
His first brainchild - high-speed floating aquada car- the company released after 7 years. In 2003, the inhabitants of London watched in amazement as a floating craft cut through the water surface of the Thames at an unprecedented speed.
Under the hood of the amphibian is located Rover engine A 2.5-liter V6 with a capacity of 175 hp, which accelerates the amphibious Aquada to 160 km / h on land and 50 km / h on the water. At the push of a button land vehicle transforms into a floating vehicle by removing the wheels.
In 2004, Virgin Group owner Richard Branson set a new record by sailing across the English Channel in an Aquada. Branson improved the time by as much as 4 hours and 20 minutes from the previous 6 hours set back in 1960.
The officially recorded time for which the billionaire swam across the channel is 1 hour 40 minutes 6 seconds.
Another creation of Alan Gibbs is Quadski. With a flick of the wrist, or rather the push of a button, the quad turns into a jet ski in just 4 seconds.
This water all-terrain vehicle is driven by a 140-horsepower bmw engine. The water engine helps him conquer the water element, patented by Gibbs companies. The Quadski is capable of speeds of up to 72 km/h, both on land and in water.
It is worth noting that the price for such an amphibious ATV is about $40,000.
The high cost of the vehicle is not an obstacle for the Dubai police, in whose fleet there are more than one luxury supercar - Bugatti Veyron, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Aventador. The Quadski water all-terrain vehicle recently joined police supercars to chase bad guys not only on land, but also on water.
And this makes sense, because every year more and more artificial islands appear in the Persian Gulf, surrounded by Dubai. So what could be more convenient than moving between them on such a universal transport?
By the way, Quadski also appeared in one of the last seasons of the popular Top Gear project, where Jeremy Clarkson, on his Gibbs ATV, set off in a race with Richard Hammond, who had at his disposal a nimble Alfa Romeo 4C.
