Everyone knows that the automotive industry as an industry has been around for a long time. During all this time, engineers have strived to create the perfect car that could satisfy the needs of the maximum number of people. And therefore, the fact of creating a car called an amphibious car is not at all surprising. We will consider its purpose, varieties and features in this article.
Definition
First of all, let's find out what the brief description of this car is. 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 asph alt, on the ground, ford rivers, etc. Everyone is well aware that the civil 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.
Soviet era
If we consider the period when the Soviet Union existed, it is worth noting that then there was technological progress, includingThe automotive industry has been on a steady upswing. Amphibious vehicles of the USSR 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 a combat crew of 8 people could sit on two four-seater seats. The power drive of the machine was installed in the stern. The highlight of the vehicle was an independent adjustable hydropneumatic type suspension. It was she who allowed to change the ground clearance. The transmission box had two shafts. Power was transmitted through it to the propeller drive and the differentials were forced to stop. On dry pavement, 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, Sea Lionis an exclusive development that is capable of speeds up to 96 km/h on water and 201 km/h on land. In fact, this car was specifically designed to set world records.
Gibbs Quadski is another new release 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. It has a marine jet engine and a wheel retraction system.
Gibbs Aquada. An amazing car that went down in history. In 2004, it crossed the English Channel in just one hour, forty minutes and six seconds.
Rinspeed Splash. A distinctive feature of this machine can be considered the presence of a two-cylinder engine that runs on natural gas and does not cause any harm to the environment.
Do-it-yourself amphibious vehicles are created by engineer Michael Ryan. It is he who owns a creation called the SeaRoader Lamborghini Countach. Its futuristic appearance is combined with powerful engine and excellent functionality.
Floating motorhome
This car, which in its configuration is more like a bus, is called 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. Pricemachine 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 horsepower 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 of technological progress, since its versatility has ensured its demand for many years to come. And as reality shows, the engineers of today do not stop improving this technique.
