The AQUA is a one manned submersible concept created by Sungchul
Yang and Woonghee Han as part of their bachelor's degree at
the University of Seoul in South Korea. The concept has since
been awarded silver at both IDEA 2008 (a U.S. based annual design
competition) and Pinup Award 2008 in South Korea. The concept
has also been displayed at the Design Korea 2008 held in Guangzhou,
China.
The AQUA concept was conceived as a vehicle for the future when
there are real-estate developments under the sea. The AQUA is
capable of travel both on and under the sea, and can safely
and stylishly transport a single person to their underwater
destination.
The interior of the AQUA features a sliding seat to accommodate
pilots of different size and allow easier entry, and twin joysticks
for simple control of the vehicle . The forward momentum is
provided by a single main ducted propellor mounted at the rear.
Pitch angle is controlled by two smaller ducts on either side.
The yaw control is via a small rudder slung underneath the AQUA.
The AQUA's pilot has an excellent field of vision thanks to
an aircraft style canopy which slides forward to allow entry
and exit of the sub. Mounted behind the occupant are the life
support systems, buoyancy control ballast tank, batteries and
motors.
While the AQUA is not intended for production, it is a refreshing
concept which aims to predict the future of personal underwater
travel.
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