ST Kinetics "Humdinga" Amphibious vehicle

[Hakan]

ST Kinetics demonstrates Humdinga to regional armed forces

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Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics demonstrated the Humdinga high-speed amphibious truck to an audience of potential buyers including commanders from Southeast-Asian armed forces, maritime authorities, and emergency services in waters off Changi Naval Base on 27 February.

The Humdinga amphibious vehicle, designed by UK-based Gibbs Technologies, features retractable wheels and water-jet propulsion and can be configured as both a personnel or goods carrier capable of 750 kg payloads.

While powered by a 300 hp diesel engine on land, the Humdinga's propulsion on water is provided by two proprietary high-speed amphibian water jets with reversing buckets, which enable the vehicle to make 360° turns in situ . The Humdinga can achieve top speeds in excess of 50 km/h in various sea states.

"This is the fastest amphibious vehicle that we have seen since the Normandy beach landings of the Second World War," Neil Jenkins, chairman of Gibbs Amphitrucks, toldIHS Jane's at the demonstration. "It will fill a capability gap for operators looking to eliminate the land and water boundary without sacrificing speed."

Besides the vehicle being demonstrated, Gibbs and ST Kinetics are also planning to offer a larger version of the amphibious truck for operators that require higher payloads.

A spokesperson from ST Kinetics earlier told IHS Jane's that the Humdinga has received indications of interest from navies in Southeast Asia. Under a partnership agreement, ST Kinetics would build production quantities of the vehicle while Gibbs remains a design and fabrication house for the platform.

ST Kinetics demonstrates Humdinga to regional armed forces - IHS Jane's 360