The Amphibious Trimaran with Aerostatic Discharge (ATASD) is a new vehicle from Canadian company Interconn Development that is multi-functional and flat out awesome.
The ATASD works like a hovercraft but is also part fan boat, with capabilities of zooming over snow at 75 mph and cruising on the beach or water.
The air created underneath the vehicle is called “aerostatic discharge,” which reduces friction with the surface below and allows the ATASD to literally float around on a cushion of air.
Hovercrafts do well on solid surfaces but the ATASD is unique in the fact that it performs just as well on water thanks to the developers installing pontoons that can be adjusted and scale waves upwards of 6.5 feet high.
About the ATASD:
- 140 horsepower 2.0-liter Ford Duratec
- Main propulsion fan and two smaller fans (provide hovercraft lift)
- The vessel weighs 1,190 pounds
- Capable of 55 mph on water and 75 mph on snow
- Operable in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit
The ATASD would be a cool toy to own but it was designed specifically for search and rescue missions, already receiving certification as an emergency response vehicle.
If needed, the vehicle can carry as many as twelve standing passengers and two snowmobiles!
The starting price is approximately $60,000 for one of these vehicles…
