First Amphibious Bus Is Launched
Updated : Apr 1, 2009
The world's first amphibious coach has been launched in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, allowing bus passengers to take to the waves.
The Amphicoach, which carries up to 50 passengers, is the brainchild of Scotsman George Smith.
The vehicle drives like a traditional coach until it reaches water, where its makers say it exhibits 'astonishing' sailing abilities. The coach's wheels retract into a hull, made from marine-grade aluminium, allowing it to reach speeds of up to eight knots, powered by a jet-drive unit. According to its makers, the Amphicoach can compete with any luxury standard road coach for performance, safety and comfort.
"On the other hand its sailing capabilities are accepted by marine experts involved in the project as being astonishing," said a spokesman. "This feature consequently makes the vehicle suitable for extended water tours. The Amphicoach is able to operate day and night, in both fresh and salt water, which is highly unusual."
Twelve vehicles will to be built each year, under the supervision of Lloyd's Register, and several Australian, Dutch and German companies are said to be already interested. The spokesman added: "Due to the vehicle's superior stability and safety features the Amphicoach is a Modern Technological Wonder. Soon people will no longer be satisfied with just a city coach tour, they will want the complete package, a city coach tour with a water cruise built in."
VeryHappyPig says think I stick to a regular road-driving bus for the moment….. Pigs can’t swim!!
