The culmination of one of the most exciting engineering projects in British history Wednesday saw Gibbs Technologies demonstrate High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology. The development of HSA technology has enabled Gibbs to turn the concept of a vehicle that can deliver high speed on both road and water into a reality radically altering the traditional distinction between automotive and marine transportation.
This first application of HSA technology has been realised via a licensing and manufacturing agreement with the Aquada Corporation. The Aquada is a sports-style application of Gibbs' patented HSA technology, and is fully compliant for marine and road travel. Able to drive at speeds of 100mph on land, and in excess of 30mph on water, the Aquada moves between surfaces at the touch of a button - a transition that takes just seconds.
HSA technology is a world first and a landmark achievement for the 70 engineers and designers who have spent seven years challenging engineering convention. As a result the innovation behind the Aquada concept has reached into every part of the vehicle. Over 60 inventions relating to HSA technology have been patented.
Alan Gibbs, founder and chairman of Gibbs Technologies, comments: "The design requirements for the Aquada were daunting - an amphibian that performs road and marine functions without compromise. HSA technology delivers this functionality and demonstrates the quality of British engineering. I am extremely proud of the achievements of the team in making this a reality."
Since the invention of the motorcar there have been many attempts to develop amphibian vehicles. Until now no road legal vehicle has managed to exceed 6mph on water. Previous attempts have failed because of the vehicles' inability to climb out of the water and skim along the surface. In other words, they were unable to "plane".
The engineering breakthroughs that enable the Aquada to plane at high speeds include, amongst others, innovative methods of retracting the wheels, decoupling the engine and using a jet to propel the vehicle through water.
Commenting on how this technology will be used in the future, Gibbs concludes, "Aquada Corporation is the first manufacturing company to be licensed to use Gibbs HSA technology. In the future, we believe that just about every other form of wheeled vehicle could be twice as useful by being made amphibious. I envisage HSA technology not only delivering new forms of recreation and leisure but also serious solutions for urban transport issues and advanced capability for emergency services, rescue services police and the military."
Gibbs Technologies
Gibbs Technologies is a British based engineering company specialising in the design of High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology. Located in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, Gibbs Technologies was established by New Zealand entrepreneur Alan Gibbs and Englishman Neil Jenkins. Since its formation in the UK in 1999, Gibbs Technologies has led the world in researching and developing the concept of HSA Technology, and have patented over 60 inventions relating to the technology.
Gibbs Technologies expects to license HSA technology to other manufacturers for use in a diverse range of applications, both private and commercial, and believes that High Speed Amphibians will revolutionise the automotive industry.
