The United States Marines has developed a half-scale prototype of a new hybrid vehicle that treks through land or sea. The UHAC (Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector) is shown here being tested on shore and waters of East Oahu, HI. This junior version weighs 38 tons and is 18 feet tall. The full-size one, which will have a lower profile in general, is sure to be a monster if it ever gets built. Its tracks are maid of durable foam with captured air, part of the reason this machine is completely buoyant.
It uses those rubber flaps to paddle through water at 5 mph on the prototype, while the real deal will max out at 25 mph. The purpose of this vehicle for military purposes is to give its passengers apt movement through water, and aggressive climbing ability by land. Take a look at the test run in Hawaii here.
