Making a splash

, the high-speed amphibian (HSA) technology specialist, has unveiled Quadski, a prototype of what is claimed to be the first commercially viable high-speed amphibian quadbike/all terrain vehicle (ATV).

Quadski, which Gibbs claims can reach 50mph on land and water, features a proprietary marine jet propulsion system and over 60 patented elements in its application of Gibbs' HSA technology. This incorporates the retracting suspension system, water jet and hull.

Quadski's fuel tank allows it to travel for up to two hours on water with a land range of 600km. It is powered by a 140hp petrol engine, which provides drive to the wheels on land and a marine jet pump on water that takes in a large quantity of water and then accelerates and discharges it from the rear at high velocity.

Quadski's transition from land to water is said to take less than five seconds and is operated by flicking a switch. Then, on entering water, the wheels are retracted into the body of the vehicle. The ATV senses when it is in the water and will not allow retraction of its wheels while on dry land.

Founder of Gibbs Technologies Peter Gibbs said, 'Quadski is both exciting and practical with a multitude of uses. I know consumers will love the fun of driving on land one minute and then head straight into the sea or river the next.

'But there is a very serious side to Quadski as well: emergency services and aid workers will be able to reach areas and people no two or four-wheel drive vehicle could reach.'

Quadski shares the same Gibbs' HSA technology as the recently launched Aquada amphibian and the Humdinga, a five-seater four-wheel drive vehicle capable of travelling at up to 80mph on land and 45mph on water. Aquada set the water speed record for amphibian craft, as well as the record for crossing the Channel.

Gibbs Technologies intends to license the design and technology.