Amphibious Search & Rescue Truck is Built Hurricane Tough

Over the past 15 years South Carolina’s CAMI (Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International) have been building some of the most rugged vehicles around. However, with their Amphibious Responder they may have outdone themselves.

Equipped with two powertrains, one for water the other for land, CAMI describes their Amphibious Responder (AR) as a “first responding, rapid extraction, emergency recovery, mobile ambulatory, firefighting, 4X4, extreme, land & water, disaster relief & response vehicle." Needless to say, the AR is capable of action even in the event of a hurricane or tsunami.

Measuring in at 7.6m (25ft) long, 2.9m (9ft 7in) tall and 2.5m (8ft 2 in) broad, the hulking AR is something to behold. To power their behemoth CAMI has endowed the AR with dual 300-HP 6.7 liter diesel engines connected to a 4WD system complete with locking front and rear wheel differentials. Running on a 50-gallon fuel tank, the Amphibious Responder can easily switch between land and water powertrains by simply putting one into neutral and engaging the other. Additionally, when the craft needs to enter or leave a body of water both powertrains can be put to work.

In addition to its dual engine system, the Amphibious Responder also features a hull lined with patented foam that will keep the vehicle afloat regardless of conditions. Added to its already impressive frame are a 15,000-lb winch, a deck ladder for scaling buildings, a fire fighting pump and medical equipment. If you’re taking the AR into more dicey territory you can also opt for bulletproof glass.

All in all, the Amphibious Responder is an impressive machine that I’m positive can operate regardless of where a disaster strikes. Let’s just hope that none of us ever have to meet one face to face.

Images and Video Courtesy of CAMI