The Orbiter was built in my backyard, here in Central Upstate NY.  I have even sat in the cockpit ..

I followed the story with great interest and would be one of my top purchases if the MEGA lotto comes my way.. 

he had funding/sponsorship problems and had to return to CNY, almost lost it in a divorce. 

guess the Mrs, didn't appreciate having to live in the cramped quarters for months on end and do chores in 3rd world countries for gas money.

he's now trying to build a amphibious car franchise in the $100k/car market. 

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I think this is a far more elegant, if less conventional, execution of the
same concept:
http://www.dobbertinhydrocar.com/Orb%20Exterior%20Views.htm 
The hull started life as a 1959 Heil double-walled milk tanker.  Top speed
on land is 70 mph, top speed on water is 11 mph.  Power is from a 6.5L GM
turbodiesel.

Oh, and it's for sale. ;)

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon