AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLES
This page was updated on 29 - Feb - 2010

Amphibs sorted by year of production can be found on René Pohl Site www.schwimmauto.de


QMC QMC prototype 1942

It is a three seater and the lump on the engine hood has to do with the drive axle to the capstan winch.
The letters QMC stand for QuarterMaster Corp..



Wheelbuggie Quality Industries, Inc.

Wheel Buggy 100% Amphibious Carrier.
Model # 104W-HD-12X9
Vehicle weight 110,000 lbs.
Cargo capacity 20,000 lbs. floating
Land speed 8 mph
Hydraulically driven with twin diesel engines Dimensions:
29'4" L x 25'0" W x 21' 6" H Deck Size: 27' x 13'

www.wilcomarshbuggies.com

Cargo Carrier Quality Industries, Inc.

Heavy Duty Cargo Carrier
100% Amphibious Personnel-Cargo Carrier
Model No. 10XT-HD-64M
Power: Diesel, Industrial Engine
Dimensions: 39'6" L x 18'3" W
Vehicle weight: 42,000 lbs.
Cargo capacity: 24,000 lbs.
Speed: Land-up to 5 mph water-1 to 3 mph

www.wilcomarshbuggies.com

Personnel Carrier Quality Industries, Inc.

Personnel Carrier
100% Amphibious Personnel-Cargo Carrier
Aluminum Model #26448482C
Industrial Gasoline or Diesel Engine
Available with hydraulic or
mechanical drive
Weight 10,000 to 12,000 lbs.
Land speed 10 mph water speed 4 mph.
Dimensions: 24' 0" L x 13' 10" W

www.wilcomarshbuggies.com

Racoon Racoon (1993)

Renault made the prototype Racoon. It was a go-anywhere amphibious concept car that really can be driven everywhere also in water (where the top speed is 5 knots). It is a 4-wheel drive with a V6 Twin-turbo engine. It was equipped with a navigations system, compass and cameras.

Driving in the dark is made easier with an infra-red camera.

It never made production.

Ramster X

Ramster X
Ramster X (2003 2008)

It moves like an diesel electric locomotive but without the rails.
The dimensions are: length 4,9 mtr, width 2,4mtr and 2,7mtr high.
The maximum load is 800 kg. The loading bay is 2,00mtr x 1,30mtr

A prototype was running 

The top speed was 70 km/h BUT 40 km/h legally for Europa. and 25 km/h in Holland (It is an agricultural tractor and can be driven without driver license.)

The prototype had a diesel engine with 60 BHP connected to a generator (42 kW with 400 V three phased current in 50 Hz or 480 V three phased in 60 Hz)

There is no gearbox because this vehicle has one electric motors on each side that moves the four wheels.

Between each electric motor and the wheels there are two reduction gears. one in the wheel and one the output of the electric motor.

The total reduction ratio is 1/50 which allows a very high torque of more than 700 m-daN on a row of wheels.

Each electric motor is controlled by an electronic varistor. All these devices allow a very low maintenance cost.

The Ramster DOES NOT take a bend by breaking ONE side, but by reducing the speed on the inside wheels and increasing the speed on the outside wheels.
The change of speed is controlled through both synchronized variators and those are controlled by break pedal, gas pedal and the steering wheel.
That make a real difference with traditional cinematic chain drive like bulldozer.

It allows to maintain the torque on each side of the vehicle with saving energy and conserving a very good energy yield. At every speed from 0 km/h to 70km/h, the efficiency of transmission is above 85%.

The excess of energy (by slowing down/breaking) is send to a common bus (the direct current bus of the varistor) which is strapped between the two variators. This allows the sharing of energy between the two engines. If there is too much energy it is sent to the breaking resistance. In case of normally breaking, this system is also used, it avoids the used of the mechanical breaks.

Mechanical breaks are also installed in the Ramster because of road regulation, but they are used only in emergency breaking.

The actual price for a basic Ramster was 43.900 Euro before tax. It is amphibious and moves in water by using the wheels for propulsion. A better way of water propulsion is the optional Hydro jet.

That costs 15000 Euro more.


No picture RAT (CL-61 & CL-70)

A Canadair Vehicle Division was formed in 1956. It's first project was the RAT (Remote Articulated Track), a light vehicle for transporting personnel and equipment over difficult terrain. Amphibious and air droppable, the two-unit vehicle had a gross weight of 1,100 kg (2,500 lb.) and a payload of 300 kg (600 lb.) It could travel at 30 km/h (20 mph) on packed snow and 5 km/h (3 mph) on water. A 35-hp Volkswagen engine drove both units through a unique articulating transfer joint.

A total of 36 RATs was built, six prototype CL-61s and the rest CL-70s. Of these, 24 went to the Canadian Army, two each to the Swedish Army and the New Jersey Mosquito Control Authority, and one each to the Canadian Department of Mines and Resources and the Department of Northern Affairs.

Ravaillier 1907

Ravaillier 1907

Ravaillier Canot-Voiture-Touriste (1907)

This was a steel power boat mounted on the wheels and running gear of an auto mobile. A four-cylinder, 20-h.p. gasoline engine, forward mounted, gave the driving power.
It drove a propeller in the usual power-boat way when in the water; But on the road, a lever disconnected the propeller and engaged a drive shaft of normal auto mobile type to drive the rear wheels through chains;
A normal 3 speed and reverse gearbox gave power to propeller or the wheels.
The front and rear axles pass through water-tight steel tubes in the hull. Wheels ware made of steel with small solid rubber tires.
on the road a speed of 22 miles and in the water a speed 5 miles was possible.

Reach machine

Reach machine

Reach machine (1993)

This vehicle is called "Amphibious Reach machine" and was invented by Robert Gray from Fioshbourne Green/England. It was powered by an Austin Mini fixed on a platform between those two big wheels. The wheel propulsion system was directly connected with the powered front axle of the Mini.

The whole thing just swam because of the air pushed under water in the cassettes of the big wheels. The similar problem made the old paddle wheel boots obsolete. When the paddles hit the water above a certain speed the water turns into foam.
Robert dreamed of reaching 50 km/h on water, but in fact it did a slow 4,5 km/h only.
The wheels reached a high of 10,7 mtr.
Costs : 1500 pounds.

Reb R.E.B (1988)

The REB was manufactured by REB Industries Inc. Collinson Louisiana.
It is a full time four wheel drive with/ high & low range in forward, neutral, reverse.
The engine is a 656cc, 2 cylinder, 4 cycle Briggs & Stratton.
The brakes are hydraulic disc, front and rear.
The fuel capacity is 3.3 gallons.
The battery is 12 volt 30 amp HD.

It was built from Fibreglass.
It seats three people "comfortably". ;-)
The length is 93", width 48", and height 61".
It is steered and propelled by the turning wheels when in the water.
Speed approx 2-3 mph in the water and approx 18 mph on land.

The REB was designed as a utility machine.

Reliant Reliant

A reliant is a car with 3 wheels and somebody made it amphibious. The standard body work is fibreglass that makes a good start.

Further than this I now nothing.
any info will be highly appreciated.

VAB 4x4 Renault VAB 4x4 (1976)

More than 5,000 VABs have been produced in thirty different versions. 376 VAB's were used in Operation Desert Storm and VAB has been deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

New gen. of VAB has about 1100 improvements, and called 'VAB NG'.

Engine: diesel Renault M1DS 06-20-45 162 kW (220 HP)
Gearbox: automatic 
Crew: 2+10
Size: (LxWxH) 5,98 x 2,49 x 2,06 mtr.
Ground clearance: 0,4 mtr
Speed: road 92 km/h, water 8,5 km/h
Fuel tank: 300 litre
Max. range: 1000 km
Suspension: independent

VAB 6x6 Renault VAB 6x6

The VAB is usually made as a 4x4
The 6 x 6 costs 10 % more but its capacities off road are better.

REO xm434e3 REO xm434e3 (1957 1960) prototype

Amphibious vehicle with a water tight engine bay and a water tight loading bay. Amphibious without outside preparation. The radiator can be closed from the driver position???

Four stroke V 8 diesel engine 170 HP
Maximum speed on land 56 miles and 1.9 miles in the water.
The wheels give water propulsion.
5 forward, 1 reverse gears. 3.5 ton pay load
Cab and body are made of aluminium to save weight
Shoe brakes are mount outside the hull and are made water tight

Loading bay opens on 3 sides and over the full length.
Not needed after the helicopter came into service.

See also Ford and GMC
Residue Solutions Mudmaster

Residue Solutions Mudmaster
Residue Solutions MudMaster  (2009)

They have 20 years experience in mud farming.

The "MudMaster" is a recognised benchmark in tailings dewatering technology and operates in many locations around the world.

MudMasters are built in Australia to Australian Engineering Standards and are also certified for use in the European Union.

The use of hydraulics solved the old transmission problems that the old Amphirolls had.

www.residuesolutions.com.au
Rhino

Rhino, Aghnides Amphibious Roller or Polywog

Rhino (1954 1957) Aghnides Amphibious Roller or Polywog

Special page

Made in Indianapolis USA by Marmon-Herrington-Company for Marsh use.

Runs everywhere. Water purpose via chain driven jet drive between rear axle.
The nozel can rotate 360 degrees for steering and reverse.

Engine 110 hp, 20 litre diesel consumption on 100km. Does 72 km/h on road maximum, but it was forbidden to drive faster than 40 km/h.
In water it did about 8 km/h.

Weight 5 000 kg
5,7 m long, 2,85 m wide and 2,95 m high.

4WD. Made of aluminium. Back wheels were steered!

The special wheel construction made it nearly impossible to let it fall on its side, even when the hang was 75% steep.

no picture Rhino see Croco

It is different from the Rhino above. :-)

Riley Riley (1931)

For a private Africa expedition (London to Capetown) Riley needed a trick to cross the rivers on his journey.
The inflatable pontoons did the job but the holding rack was so close to the wheels that steering was impossible when the pontoons where in place.
The brand name of the car is Riley to, if you are wondering where Riley got the money for his expedition.

This picture was send in by Angus Murray.

Rinspeed

Rinspeed

Rinspeed Splash (2004)

Rinspeed has build with the splash the ultimate TOY
The ultra-light carbon-composite skin has at the push of a button a hydraulic mechanism that transforms the sports car into an amphibious vehicle.
A complex integrated hydrofoil system enables the "Splash" to `fly' at an altitude of about 60 cm above the water.

Top speed on the road 200 km/h and on water (80 km/h)
Acceleration on road 0-100 km/h approx. 5.9 sec
Engine weber MPE 750 cm³ 2 cylinder power 140 hp 103 kw
Rear wheel drive Gearbox Manual Gears 6
Propeller Ø 360 mm / 3 blade

The down side, beside that is not for sale, is that you do not want to hit a piece of drift wood with one of the wings at 80 km/h in the water.

http://www.rinspeed.ch

rut

Rodedawg - RUT (2006)

BAW   Beijing Automobile Works Co. Ltd

It is being marketed in three versions: 4x4 RUT, 4x4 RUV and 4x4 RST.

It is based on the Jeep-like BJ2020 
(originally the BJ212) utility vehicle was developed for the People's Liberation Army in 1965, as well as the newer BJ2035 civilian SUV version. 

The BJ2020-series has been improved over the years and its technology has benefited from a joint venture between BAW and a USA manufacturer for the Chinese market. 

A military reconnaissance version of the amphibious Rodedawg has been used by the Chinese military for several years.


ruv

Rodedawg - RUV (2006)


BAW   Beijing Automobile Works Co. Ltd

All three models are powered by a four-cylinder,
2.77 L Isuzu 4JB1 turbocharged diesel engine. In this application, the engine is rated 91 hp at 3600 rpm. 

For water travel, the vehicle is driven by a rear propeller attached to the PTO shaft. 
During amphibious operation, the four-speed manual transmission that drives a two-speed transfer box for the part-time four-wheel drive is placed in neutral. 

Top speed is 70 mph on the highway and 6 to 8 mph in the water. Steering both in the water and on-land is done by the front wheels.

rst

Rodedawg - RST (2006)


BAW   Beijing Automobile Works Co. Ltd

This Rodedawg is an amphibious, 4x4 off-road recreational vehicle. 

(RST OFF ROAD FOR THE NORTH AMERICA MARKET)

Off-road, it can handle up to 45 [degrees] grades without tipping. 
Other mechanical features include a ladder-type chassis with two rigid live axles; four longitudinal, semi-elliptical leaf springs; and telescopic, hydraulic, double-acting shock absorbers on each wheel.
Disc brakes are used all around.

AmphiGeo Roerig AmphiGeo build by Mark Roerig (2000)

The AmphiGeo is a remarkable, yet simple design. The greatest attribute to the AmphiGeo is the low cost to build, compared to the conventional market, the cost is a whopping 75% lower!

You can build an Amphigeo for less than $4000 starting with a car of $1000.

down sides:
1: Not street legal in most of the world.
2: It has a chain drive.
3: Engine is very close to your right ear.

Mark Roehrig has written a book that tells the basics of how he build that Amphigeo.

WheelSea Roerig WheelSea (2004)

Mark is was transforming this school bus to amphibious state.
He had plans to travel around the world and to cross the oceans with it.

It floats because of tanks mounted left and right under the bottom. 

Structural stability in the ocean is a whole different matter.

But the name tells much "WheelSea"

Rokon Rokon

Not just a motor bike.
But a 2 wheel drive amphibious motorcycle.

Sins 1965, Rokon has been producing off-road motorcycles with an unique two-wheel drive system.

One proud owner added 2 floats and made it amphibious.

rolligon-chevrolet-1957-01

rolligon-chevrolet-1957

ARC Rolligon Chevrolet truck (1957

An old 6x6 7 ton truck transporter with Load Rollers instead of wheels.

Amphibious but not very stable
 
Based on a Chevrolet truck
Could be powered by a Chrysler 331 V8
or a Chevrolet 283 V8 engine.

Land speed up to 75 km/h
no water propulsion

Build by ARC, LB Rolligon Company , Seaside and Monterey, California.
rolligon-jeep-1957 Rolligon Jeep FC 170

The "Rolligon" is based on a FC-170 cab and drive train components.

Land speed 50 km/h
Amphibious but not stable
curb weight 2200 kg
load 2000 kg

Rolligon 8x8 Brut I Rolligon 8x8 Brute I

Heavy duty 8x8 Brute I Tractor is highly amphibious with limited payloads. Rated at 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg) on land, the vehicle is available with many options. Genpole sets, rear frame mounted hydraulic knuckle boom crane, rear mounted hydraulic backhoe, rear deck winches with oilfield deck, etc. 

When equipped with Rolligon 72x68-28 flotation tires, the vehicle features ground pressures of 3.4 psi (0.239 kgcm2). Ground Pressure full load: 3.4 psi (0.239 kgcm2)
Cargo capacity: 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg)
Maximum Speed - Land: 24 mph (38 km/hr)
Engine: Caterpillar, Cummins, 300 hp

Rolligon8x8sbII Rolligon 8x8 SB II

Heavy duty 8x8 Brute II Tractor is highly winterized for arctic application to -60c. Vehicle is amphibious with partial land payload. Maximum land payload rated at 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg). Unit ideal for heavy duty arctic operations, pipeline construction, repair and emergency response applications. This vehicle is available with many options, Genpole set, rear frame mounted hydraulic knuckle boom crane, rear mounted hydraulic backhoe, rear deck winches etc. When equipped with Rolligon 72x68-28 Flotation tires, the vehicle features ground pressures of 3.4 psi (0.239 kgcm2).

Rolligon DUSTER Rolligon Duster

The Model 4440 is a 4x4 vehicle designed for light cargo's in extremely low ground pressure areas. Ideal for man portable equipment, drills and 3D systems deployment. Used extensively in very environmentally sensitive areas, shallow coastal zones and marshes.

Loaded ground pressure: 1.25 psi (0.088 kg/cm2)
Land cargo capacity: 800 lbs (363 kg)
Amphibious cargo capacity: 600 lbs (272 kg)
Maximum Speed - Land: 15 mph (24 km/hr)

Roughrider Roughrider http://www.route6x6.com

You can find more about this machine in the museum of ROUTE6x6.

Picture used with permission from ROUTE6x6.

Rryan Streamline Ryan Streamline (1989)  (SeaRoader)

This one was built around a 1.6-litre Ford Cortina GT engine. 

In 1989, he attempted a record-breaking sea crossing from London to Calais.
Force 8-9 Gales. so they went after Blue Peters non-stop record by going up the Thames driving without rest for around 30 hours. The record still stands.

There is a Ford 1600 crossflow unit in the rear, driving an upside down front mounted differential and it is also powering a Z drive from the pully.
The  'Z' drive is a small fold away type.

The car was sold in the 90s to a Dutch guy.
       BUT where is it NOW???

Picture used with permission of Mike Ryan

Ryan Panda


Mike Ryan panda

Ryan Fiat Panda conversion (1994?) (SeaRoader)

Pictures used with permission of Mike Ryan

Ryan Lamborghini

Countach kit

Ryan Lamborghini Countach (2000)  (SeaRoader)

The end result is the most stunning car that puts all of the 'Bond' mock-up cars to shame. On the road it gives no clues to it's amazing capabilities. 

It simply looks like a £100,000 worth of Italian exotica. It is fully amphibious with Formula 1 type push-rod suspension and hydraulic activators to compress the suspension when in the water to avoid suspension droop and hence drag. 

Under the front is a hydrofoil to lift the front once water borne. 

Then there is the smoke ejector and more.

Picture used with permission of Mike Ryan

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