Importance

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Abstract

Planing amphibian (10) comprises hull (12) and a pair of wheels (20) mounted on a retractable suspension assembly (22). At least one land drive and at least one separate marine drive (40) are provided. A wheel retraction mechanism is provided for moving the wheels between a deployed wheel position for use of the amphibian on land (FIGS. 2 and 4) and a retracted wheel position above a waterline of the amphibian for planing on water. The suspension assembly comprises suspension arms (24) outside the pair of wheels (20) so that the wheels (20) lie between the arms (24). Marine drives (40) may be inboard of the wheels (FIG. 2) or outboard thereof (FIG. 4). An axle (28) with a differential (29) may be provided (FIG. 3). Suspension and retraction may be provided by means of torsion bars (30) with a cranked central section (54, 55, FIG. 3).

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First Claim