Nordic D-Pad Platform – Inflatable Amphibious Vehicle Transport System
Unlock aquatic mobility for ground-based vehicles with the Nordic D-Pad Platform, a semi-rigid inflatable transport system engineered in Norway to move motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and pickup trucks across rivers, lakes, and calm to semi-calm waterways, without a bridge, ferry, or amphibious vehicle.
Built on Nordic Deployment’s proprietary Module system and tested under Scandinavian field conditions, the D-Pad platform is designed for military logistics, emergency rescue, and remote-access operations where existing infrastructure cannot be relied on. Two operators can take it from travel bag to fully operational platform in under 15 minutes, with no tools or external equipment required.
The D-Pad platform is available in four payload configurations, from 2.0 to 6.0 tons, and can be fitted with electric or gasoline motor mounts depending on mission requirements.
Key Benefits
- Bridge-free water crossing for vehicles across rivers, lakes, and flood zones
- Two-operator deployment in under 15 minutes, with no external tools
- Payload configurations from 2.0 to 6.0 tons across four platform models
- Compatible with electric or gasoline outboard motors
- Engineered and field-tested under Nordic operating conditions
- Packs into a single travel bag for air, land, or sea transport
Design & Build
The D-Pad platform is built from a semi-rigid inflatable structure using abrasion- and puncture-resistant coated fabric, the same class of material used across Nordic Deployment’s Water Mobility Systems range. The design spreads vehicle load evenly across the inflated chamber system, so the platform holds its stability and buoyancy even with uneven or shifting cargo.
Every unit is built for field conditions rather than controlled environments. It is engineered to handle repeated inflate and deflate cycles, cold-weather deployment, and abrasive terrain during unpacking and rollout. The platform connects to the Nordic pump for controlled, even inflation, and uses a ramp-and-mount configuration that adapts to each of the four supported vehicle classes.
How the D-Pad Works
- Unpack — Remove the platform from its rugged travel bag or carry case
- Roll Out — Unfurl the platform on any flat surface or water’s edge
- Inflate — Connect the Nordic pump and reach full rigidity in minutes
- Configure — Attach ramps and motor mount for your vehicle class
- Load — Drive the vehicle onto the platform
- Deploy — Cross the waterway and reach your operational zone
Technical Specifications / NATO specifications
| Model | Vehicle Type | Size (m) | Payload Capacity | Weight | Engine Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P10/20 | Motorcycle / Tricycle | W2.3 × L4.4 × T0.2 | 2.0 tons | 38 kg | Electric / Gasoline |
| P12/30 | 6-Wheel ATVs | W3.0 × L5.5 × T0.3 | 4.5 tons | 63 kg | Electric / Gasoline |
| P13/30 | Offroad Side-by-Side | W3.6 × L6.5 × T0.3 | 6.0 tons | 90 kg | Electric / Gasoline |
| P15/20 | Toyota Hilux / Similar | W3.0 × L5.0 × T0.2 | 3.0 tons | 45 kg | Electric / Gasoline |
Product Variations
- P10/20: Ideal for motorcycles & tricycles (2.0 tons capacity)
- P12/30: Ideal for 6-wheel ATVs (4.5 tons capacity)
- P13/30: Ideal for side-by-side vehicles (6.0 tons capacity)
- P15/20: Ideal for pickup trucks like Toyota Hilux (3.0 tons capacity)
Choosing the Right Water Mobility Platform
Nordic Deployment builds three inflatable water mobility platforms, each suited to a different operational need. The D-Pad platform covered here is built for military and defense logistics, rated up to 6.0 tons. For civilian emergency response and flood relief work, Nordic Deployment’s civilian water platform offers the same rapid-deployment approach with a configuration built around disaster response teams rather than defense units. For open-water patrol and maritime operations, a catamaran-style platform is better suited to sustained water-based movement rather than vehicle crossing.
📦 What’s Included
- D-Pad Inflatable Platform
- Travel Bag
- Nordic Pump
- Ramps
- Motor Mount
Ideal Use Cases
- Military logistics — moving personnel carriers, ATVs, and light vehicles across rivers and flood zones during forward operations, without waiting on engineering bridge units
- Emergency and rescue operations — getting vehicles into flood-cut communities or disaster zones where roads and bridges are out
- Remote area access — reaching off-grid sites for resource, energy, or infrastructure work with no permanent water crossing in place
- Off-road and expedition transport — supporting overland teams that need to move vehicles across unbridged waterways
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can the D-Pad platform carry?
The D-Pad platform comes in four configurations with payload capacities from 2.0 tons (P10/20, for motorcycles and tricycles) up to 6.0 tons (P13/30, for offroad side-by-sides). The right model depends on the vehicle class being transported.
How long does it take to deploy the D-Pad platform?
Two operators can move the D-Pad platform from its travel bag to a fully operational, vehicle-ready state in under 15 minutes, using the Nordic pump and no external tools or equipment.
What vehicles are compatible with the D-Pad system?
The D-Pad platform supports motorcycles and tricycles, 6-wheel ATVs, offroad side-by-side vehicles, and pickup trucks such as the Toyota Hilux, depending on which of the four platform models is selected.
Can the D-Pad platform run on both electric and gasoline motors?
Yes. The motor mount on the D-Pad platform works with both electric and gasoline outboard motors, so it can be configured to mission requirements or fuel availability in the field.
Is the D-Pad platform built for cold-weather operations?
The D-Pad platform is designed and manufactured in Norway and built around Nordic operating conditions, making it well suited to cold-climate deployment where standard equipment often struggles.
What surfaces or waterways can the D-Pad platform be used on?
The D-Pad platform is built for calm to semi-calm waterways such as rivers, lakes, and flooded terrain, where it eliminates the need for bridge construction or amphibious vehicles.
Need a Configuration for Your Mission?
Our engineering team can help you select the right D-Pad configuration for your vehicle class and operational environment. Request a custom quote and our team will walk you through the specifications, lead time, and deployment support available for your requirement.
