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An amphibious vehicle can operate on both land and water, using different propulsion devices. They were originally designed for military purposes, but now also used for racing, search and rescue, and passenger transport. Tanks and armored vehicles are also designed to be amphibious.
An amphibious vehicle is any type of transport that can be driven or otherwise operated on both land and water. The size and function of the amphibious vehicle can vary significantly, and it will be classified as such as long as it can feasibly function on both land and water. Vehicles that detach from a part during the transition between land and water are not generally considered amphibious, nor are aircraft that land and take off from water.
Some models of amphibious vehicles travel on both land and water using an inflatable skirt that creates a cushion of air to propel the craft. These models are generally known as hovercraft. Other models of amphibious vehicles use propulsion devices such as tires or tracks on land and water propulsion devices on water. The undercarriage and engine of boats must be sealed to prevent water damage to the engine, as well as to provide buoyancy; The undercarriage often acts as a hull when floating on the water. The original intent of these vehicles was to enhance the off-road capabilities of military vehicles, allowing them to operate on land, in inclement conditions such as mud or snow, and over water.
RVs now often feature amphibious capabilities as well, with some models even being designed for racing. Hovercraft have been designed to be small, light, and fast, making them popular with recreational racers. They are also commonly used for search and rescue operations, passenger transport, and military transport. Hovercraft are expensive to build and maintain, and while they tend to be faster than other transportation options and can transition between land and water at high speeds, they are not used as often as other types of transportation for military purposes because they can be expensive to operate as strongly as during operation.
Many tanks and armored vehicles are designed to be amphibious. An amphibious vehicle designed as a tank will often feature treads instead of tires for durability and mobility over rough terrain, and the tank’s body will be bulletproof or damage resistant. The bottom of the tank will be enclosed like a hull as well to maintain buoyancy and ease of steering while submerged in the water. Some tanks feature detachable pontoons that act as flotation devices for the tank, as many tanks are too heavy to float on their own.
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