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.