摘要 |
An amphibious vehicle has retractable wheels ( 2, 3 ) attached to hubs ( 2 ), and a planing hull ( 10, 11, 3 ). Front wheels are arranged to be steered by a power assisted transversely mounted element ( 16 ), which may be a rack and pinion unit. The element may be linked to the wheels by links ( 14, 14' ), which fold up to position ( 14'' ) when the wheels are retracted. Actuating rod ( 28 ) is mounted to said element, and arranged for transverse movement. A flexible coupling means, such as cable ( 34 ) and sleeve ( 36 ), connects rod ( 28 ) to a steerable part ( 42, 4 ) of a marine propulsion unit, to effect marine steering. Road and marine steering may be operable simultaneously. More than one front steered axle, and/or marine propulsion unit, may be fitted. The steering system is readily adapted to all kinds of power assisted steering, and also to "steer by wire".
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