Amphibious Apart from the distinction in sizes mentioned above, two main categories of amphibious vehicle are immediately apparent: those that travel on an air-cushion (Hovercraft) and those that don't. Amongst the latter, many designs were prompted by the desire to expand the off-road capabilities of land-vehicles to an "all-terrain" ability, in some cases not only focused on creating a transport that will work on land and water, but also on intermediates like ice, snow, mud, marsh, swamp etc.. This explains why many designs use tracks in addition to or instead of wheels, and in some cases even resort to articulated body configurations or other unconventional designs such as screw-propelled vehicles which use auger-like barrels which propel a vehicle through muddy terrain with a twisting motion. Apart from the distinction in sizes mentioned above, two main categories of amphibious vehicle are immediately apparent: those that travel on an air-cushion (Hovercraft) and those that don't. Amongst the latter, many designs were prompted by the desire to expand the off-road capabilities of land-vehicles to an "all-terrain" ability, in some cases not only focused on creating a transport that will work on land and water, but also on intermediates like ice, snow, mud, marsh, swamp etc.. This explains why many designs use tracks in addition to or instead of wheels, and in some cases even resort to articulated body configurations or other unconventional designs such as screw-propelled vehicles which use auger-like barrels which propel a vehicle through muddy terrain with a twisting motion.
Most land vehicles even lightly armored ones can be made amphibious simply by providing them with a waterproof hull and perhaps a propeller. This is possible thanks to the vehicle's volume usually being bigger than its displacement, meaning it will float. Heavily armored vehicles however sometimes have a density greater than water (their weight in kilograms exceeds their volume in liters), and will need additional buoyancy measures. Amphibious can take the form of inflatable flotation devices, much like the sides of a rubber dinghy, or a waterproof fabric skirt raised from the top perimeter of the vehicle.
In the case of the Land Rover pictured to the side, floats in the shape of oil-drums have been used to create a vehicle that will swim much like an improvised raft.
For propulsion in or on the water some vehicles simply make do by spinning their wheels or tracks, while others can power their way forward more effectively using (additional) screw propeller(s) or water jet(s). Most amphibians will work only as a displacement hull when the Amphibious is in the water only a small number of designs have the capability to raise out of the water when speed is gained, to achieve high velocity hydroplaning, skimming over the water surface like speedboats.
In the case of the Land Rover pictured to the side, floats in the shape of oil-drums have been used to create a vehicle that will swim much like an improvised raft.
For propulsion in or on the water some vehicles simply make do by spinning their wheels or tracks, while others can power their way forward more effectively using (additional) screw propeller(s) or water jet(s). Most amphibians will work only as a displacement hull when in the water only a small number of designs have the capability to raise out of the water when speed is gained, to achieve high velocity hydroplaning, skimming over the water surface like speedboats.
ARGO 6x6 Frontier 480 Amphibious Vehicle The Frontier 6x6 480 is a 6-wheel drive amphibious off-road vehicle with a 4 cycle OHV V-Twin air cooled 480cc, 14 hp Briggs and Stratton engine. It features an electronic ignition and a load capacity of up to 700 lbs. on land or 500 lbs. on water. It uses regular unleaded gasoline, has low emissions and comes with a two-year limited engine warranty. This is For the Casual User not for The Adventurer!
PRICE: $8,595.00
ARGO Avenger 8x8 Avenger 700 AMPHIBIOUS ATV - THE ARGO The amphibious ARGO ATV has proven itself as a reliable off-road vehicle in some of the world's most remote regions. The 6x6 or 8x8 ARGO ATV seats up to six passengers. Whether it be hunting, fishing or bush trekking more and more users are discovering the numerous recreational benefits of owning an ARGO.
PRICE: $16,995.00
ARGO Avenger 8x8 Avenger 750 EFI The ARGO Avenger EFI is an 8-wheel drive amphibious off-road vehicle. It features an OHV V-Twin liquid cooled 748cc, 31 hp Kohler Aegis LH 775 electronic fuel injected engine. The ARGO Avenger EFI has low emissions which meet both EPA and CARB standards, and comes with a three-year limited engine warranty. In addition, the ARGO Avenger EFI features effective throttle response, improved fuel economy, reliable cold weather starting, excellent high altitude performance and on-board diagnostics for ease of maintenance.