Because the interwebs are crammed full of crazy things, and sometimes the purpose of those things is not immediately discernible, we present WTF Is It?
WTF is it?
The Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC) is one of the more rugged off-roading vehicles you’ll ever see.
What’s it do?
The UHAC’s major purpose, besides looking like it can conquer anything and everything in its path, is to transport tanks, heavy-duty containers or possibly even Marines from ships to the shore.
How does it do that?
Basically the UHAC is equipped with a tread system that somewhat resembles what you’d see on a paddleboat. On the water, that experimental system helps the vehicle chop through waves easily and on land it gives the treads a ground pressure that’s lighter than an adult’s footstep.
So it’s got land and sea covered … Anything else?
Yup. The UHAC can handle just about any terrain including sand, ice, rocks and even mud. “In places where a person would sink into the mud, UHAC would walk right over,” according to deputy UHAC program manager Frank Leban.
Who makes it?
A company called Navatek that has an expertise in “computational fluid dynamics and complex engineered systems” and specializes in designing and analyzing ship hulls ocean structures and coupled hydrodynamic systems. Fun fact: Navatek only has offices in Hawaii and Rhode Island.
They legit?
It appears Navatek has filed more than 30 patents since 1979 so, in our opinion, yup.
Is the UHAC in any way useful?
If the project ever advances beyond a prototype stage, the vehicle could make it possible for Marines to quickly and safely be inserted into areas where they previously wouldn’t have gone.
Are they serious about using it?
According to a dude who looks extremely comfortable in camouflage, yes, quite serious.
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