Creative Worldwide Ltd, based in Wales, have unveiled a remarkable
watercraft which is a mix of speed boat and submersible.
Called the Scubacraft SC3 this amazing vehicle can travel at
up to 50 mph on the surface of the water, and then once at the
dive location it can submerge itself and up to three occupants
and take them down to a depth of 30 metres (100 feet).
On the surface the Scubacraft SC3 is powered by a
160 horsepower, inline
4-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with waterjet drive. When combined
with an incredibly light overall weight of less than 400 kgs
(860 lbs) this allows for the 50 mph top speed.
The advanced twin tunnel hull is another one of the reasons
the SC3 can achieve these speeds. This cleverly designed monocoque
unit traps a cushion of air underneath which helps lift the
vehicle out of the water and reduces the drag from the water's
surface.
To submerge the SC3 the operator deflates two large inflatable
tubes which are located within the hull. At the same time water
is let in through the transom. Once underwater the SC3 is powered
by four electric thrusters - which are located at the front
and rear, and lithium batteries. The modular configuration allows
for the electric system to be removed and replaced as necessary,
adding extra batteries for extended operations or more thrusters
for more power.
The occupants breathe via standard scuba gear - allowing them
to leave the vehicle at will. To resurface the tubes are inflated
which brings the vehicle to the surface. Once above water any
remaining water is drained out through the bottom.
As expected from a vehicle as versatile as the Scubacraft SC3
the designers envisage a wide variety of possible applications
including: Private leisure for the wheel-heeled scuba diver,
commercial leisure trips for tourist divers, marine conservation,
undersea inspection of structures and vessels, undersea filming,
coastal enforcement, and search and rescue operations.
Currently Creative Wordwide Ltd are working on a six-person
version of the Scubacraft called the SC6.
|
