The efficiency of retractable paddle tracks

Retractable paddle tracks are preferred for traveling mostly on mud or water.


Redefining High-Speed Amphibious Propulsion through Paddle-Track Technology Traditional maritime speed enhancement has long relied on lifting the hull above the surface—via hydrofoils, air cushions, or ground-effect designs.

ARWIMS introduces a paradigm shift by utilizing retractable paddle tracks as the primary vector for both propulsion and hydrodynamic lift.

Originally developed for extreme terrain (snow, mud, marshland), this paddle-track architecture has demonstrated a decisive advantage over conventional systems: the near-elimination of surface friction. While traditional propellers and hulls suffer from drag that increases exponentially with speed, the ARWIMS track system moves in synchrony with the water, drastically reducing relative fluid resistance.

Engineered for Efficiency and Speed

When reaching planing speeds, the tracks serve as the sole contact surface with the water. This mechanical synchronization yields transformative results:

Friction Cancellation: The moving contact surface eliminates the "drag wall" typical of static hulls.
Superior Power-to-Speed Ratio: Energy consumption is significantly lower than that of propeller-driven vessels at equivalent speeds.
Seamless Transition: High-speed maritime performance is matched by rapid transit capabilities on roads and soft soils.

The Future of Multi-Domain Mobility ARWIMS represents more than a propulsion upgrade; it is a new class of vehicle.
By integrating retractable paddles and advanced suspension systems, ARWIMS bridges the gap between naval architecture and terrestrial engineering.
This technology offers an unparalleled solution for logistics, rescue, and specialized transport in environments where traditional boundaries between land and sea disappear.

Secrets Revealed
Why it Works

The superiority of paddles when sailing at low speed

ARWIMS paddles behave like a slow, linear, high-torque water pump:
   - The paddles move almost at the same speed as the water
   - Slip is extremely low (~5%)
   - The water is pushed gently but firmly, without turbulence
   - The contact area is huge (full track length × width)
   - The flow is laminar and controlled
   - No cavitation, no ventilation, no tip vortices, no swirl, no recirculation
This is why the thrust per kW is so high. Low slip = high efficiency.

Why the ARWIMS concept of retractable paddles changes everything

ARWIMS paddles behave like a slow, linear, high-torque water pump:
   - The core revolution of ARWIMS is simple to state and profound in consequences:
   - The paddles only deploy when they are already underwater.
   - They retract before they reach the surface.
This single architectural rule eliminates the two phenomena that have destroyed paddle-based propulsion for 200 years: surface shock and ventilation.

ARWIMS retractable paddle tracks are very special

All track types are compatible: metallic link tracks, elastomer belts, or semi-metallic hybrids.

They pivot elastically around an axis located in the plane of the tread, and the force of the water exerts no torque capable of contracting or extending them.

The effort required to deploy or retract them is therefore extremely low.

The joint is very light, and debris simply exits through the side faces.

This very simple and rustic architecture guarantees very low friction and optimum efficiency.

The ARWIMS simulator allows you to calculate the performances of your project (speed and economy)

Use our simulator to measure the speed and energy savings of your project: