The Five Person Exploration Submarine
August 7, 2020
64
This is the five-person submersible that can descend to a depth of 656′ for accessing reefs, wrecks, and rare underwater species. It keeps all explorers safe inside a climate-controlled 3 1/4″-thick acrylic pressure sphere that enables conversation, unlike SCUBA diving. The craft meets all the safety guidelines of the International Maritime Organization and is classified by Germanischer Lloyd with two independent life support systems that provide data on depth, internal pressure, temperature, battery status, thruster status and trim tanks status. Its two horizontal thrusters provide fore, aft, and directional control in addition to a maximum submersed speed of 2 1/2 knots (4 knots surface) while two vertical thrusters provide up and down control. Its 130- and 24-volt Lithium-ion battery banks provide up to eight hours of continuous undersea adventure. The craft’s dual-pontoon structure and broad freeboard ensure superior surface stability, even in high sea conditions. 
