February 8, 2012
New Zealand Entrepreneur Launches Amphibious Trucks
Amphitrucks capable of traveling up to 130km/h on land and over 60km/h on water were launched in Washington today.
US military engineers and invited guests were the first in the world to see the “Phibian” in action at an event
preceding the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) annual conference yesterday.
The ‘Phibian’ is the fourth high speed amphibious vehicle demonstrated by Gibbs Technologies. It compliments the smaller
all-terrain Humdinga which was also disclosed at the conference. Both vehicles feature Gibbs’ proprietary High Speed
Amphibian (HSA) technology which incorporates major engineering and design advancements in suspension, water propulsion
and wheel-retraction.
Gibbs Technologies is the world’s only developer of road legal high-speed amphibious vehicles for consumer, commercial,
military and first rescue use.
In 2004 Richard Branson set a new record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle in a Gibbs Aquada
reducing the time by over four hours.
Since then Gibbs has focused on further developing his High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology which is the result of
fifteen years, more than $200 million and more than two million hours of engineering time.
Constructed primarily of strong, lightweight carbon fibre, the Phibian offers all-terrain capability on land. When
transitioning from land to water, the wheels retract and dual jet propulsion provides high speed water performance equal
to that of purpose-built patrol and rescue boats, effectively combining boat, truck and trailer.
It has been developed for general transport, search and rescue and law enforcement operations.
“When conducting search and rescue missions, whether it be for an individual or following a natural disaster, time is of
the essence,” says, Gibbs
“A vehicle that can perform as well as a multi-terrain vehicle on land while reaching planing speeds on the water means
that response will be significantly faster and more seamless.”
Alan Gibbs is one of New Zealand’s most successful entrepreneurs. He built his first amphibious vehicle in 1995 so he
could drive his boat from the water to his bach without the need for a trailer. He went on to form Gibbs Technologies in
1996. They have continuously improved the technology, acquiring over 100 patents since then.
“Natural disasters in recent memory, such as the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and elsewhere in
Asia; as well as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and the floods in Australia illustrate the need
for amphibians as capable, versatile and efficient as Phibian and Humdinga,” Gibbs said.
ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Phibian and Humdinga are the only truck capable of motorway and off road performance on land and on-plane speed on
water. Versatility and capability attributes include:
• Motorway-capable speed
• On-plane water performance
• Sea-taming hull design
In addition to general purpose, first responder and humanitarian uses, Phibian also has the potential to provide
military special units with specialised capabilities.
Phibian will be offered as a base model that can be configured for customer requirements. Factory-installed options
include:
• Fully enclosed, stand-up cabin with integrated radar arch
• Rear radar arch
• Canvas T-top over cockpit and extended canvas over cargo area
• Two crew seats with integrated restraints
• Passenger seating for 12 in cargo area
• Right- and left-hand side door
• Tailgate and winch
• Anchor and electric windlass
• U.S. Coast Guard-required equipment for passenger use
• Heater and air conditioner
• Chemical toilet with stowable privacy enclosure
• Custom exterior paint and/or vinyl wrap
Production timing and manufacturing locations for Phibian and Humdinga will be announced at a later date.
Phibian and Humdinga are just two of several amphibians in the Gibbs portfolio. Others include:
•Aquada: The world’s first amphibian to feature Gibbs’ HSA technology, Aquada is capable of speeds over 200km/h on land and
50km/h on water. The Aquada was designed from the ground up to perform very well in both fields, with over 100 patents
covering technical innovations. In 2004, Virgin Group owner Richard Branson used a Gibbs Aquada to set a new record for
crossing the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle. Branson cut 4 hours and 20 minutes off the previous record of 6
hours, which had stood since the late 1960s.
•Quadski: The first-generation Quadski was demonstrated in 2006, and is a high-powered, fully functional quad-bike that converts
to a jet ski. It is the first personal off-road vehicle to feature HSA technology, and makes a seamless high-speed
transition between land and water. A totally new Quadski will be introduced to the market this year.
ABOUT GIBBS TECHNOLOGIES
Gibbs Technologies is the world’s only developer of road legal High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology vehicles for
consumer, commercial, humanitarian and military use. Gibbs Technologies was established in New Zealand in 1996 by
entrepreneur Alan Gibbs. Joined by Englishman Neil Jenkins in 1999, Gibbs Technologies has gone on to be the world
leader in researching and developing High Speed Amphibian Technology (HSA).
Additional information about Gibbs and HSA technology is available at www.gibbstech.com.
PHIBIAN SPECIFICATIONS
Engine / Propulsion
Type:twin turbo diesels (land) with twin jet drives (water)Horsepower (hp / kW): 500 / 368Water speed (mph):more than 30
Suspension
coil over springs and dampersDrive layout (land):FWD or RWD, selectable 4WD Steering type:power-assisted hydraulic
Brakes
Type:hydraulically operated disc brakes
Wheels and tires
275/80R20 MPT
DimensionsOverall length (ft / mm):30.22 / 9212Overall width: (ft / mm):8.3 / 2532Overall height: (ft / mm):11.98 / 3654 Track width (ft / mm):6.95 / 2120Wheelbase (ft / mm):20.63 / 6289Approach angle (degrees):30Departure angle (degrees):28Ground clearance (in / mm): 16 / 353
Capacities
Occupants:three crew, 12 passengersCurb weight (lb / kg base): 4500Payload (lb / kg):3307 / 1500
HUMDINGA II SPECIFICATIONS
Engine / Propulsion
Type:supercharged V8Horsepower (hp / kW): 350 / 261
Suspension / Brakes
Drive layout (land):permanent 4WD Brakes: disc
Dimensions
Overall length (ft / mm):21.5 / 6553Overall width: (ft / mm):79 / 2000Overall height: (ft / mm):98 / 2500 Track width (ft / mm):6.95 / 2120
Capacities
Curb weight (lb / kg base):4960 / 2750Occupants:5-7 configurablePayload (lb / kg):1653 / 750Gross vehicle weight (lb / kg):6613 / 3500
ENDS