AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE SUSPENSION

摘要

Amphibious vehicle platform (30) has at least two-road wheels (8), driven through primary shafts (60) and intermediate shafts (62). Wheels (8) may be retracted as shown to allow planning; or protracted for road use. Intermediate shafts (62) are surrounded by cage means (40), which may be tubes. Such cage means allow minimal recesses in planning surface (20), reducing hydrodynamic drag. The width of the hull recesses or slots (32) may be less longitudinally than the radius of wheel (8). Upper suspension member (56), linked to lower member (40) through upright member (52), may be a wishbone, or a McPherson strut. Wheel suspension units (68) and suspension retraction means (74) may be remotely mounted within the watertight vehicle interior space. Both seating (22, 24) and the vehicle prime mover (4) may be arranged along, or parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.