Gibbs launches new high-speed amphibian vehicles

Michigan-based Gibbs Technologies has released two new high-speed, commercial-grade amphibian vehicles, named the Phibian and the Humdinga.

The Phibian is a 30-foot-long, nearly 12-foot-tall craft capable of highway speeds on land and more than 30 mph (26 knots) in the water. Constructed mainly of carbon fiber, the Phibian can hold up to 15 people, including a crew of three.

Designed for first-responder and rescue operations, the Phibian can go from the road to the water in less than 10 seconds with the push of a button. A twin-turbocharged diesel engine puts 500 hp to the ground through selectable four-wheel drive and twin jet drives in the water.

The smaller Humdinga, at 21 feet long, holds five to seven occupants for light-duty patrol and rapid-response situations. It has a supercharged V8 making 350 hp.

Both vehicles have the company's proprietary High Speed Amphibian technology, which involves suspension, water-propulsion and wheel-retraction design to aid with the transition from land to sea.

If commercial use isn't your preference, Gibbs also offers the Aquada, a three-seat convertible vehicle, and the Quadski, a personal sports amphibian.

For more information, check out the Gibbs Web site.

By David Arnouts