Marine

CudaJet moves your personal jetpack fantasies underwater

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Pricing for the CudaJet starts at about US$18,000
CudaJet
A complete CudaJet system weighs approximately 15 kg (33 lb) on land
CudaJet
Pricing for the CudaJet starts at about US$18,000
CudaJet
The CudaJet controller
CudaJet
The CudaJet can be used down to a maximum depth of 40 meters (131 ft) and delivers 40 kg (88 lb) of thrust, reportedly taking the wearer to a top speed of 3 meters (10 ft) per second
CudaJet
The CudaJet setup consists of the dual-jet-drive pack itself, which is attached to a padded neoprene harness that's worn on the torso
CudaJet
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While we've seen a number of wearable underwater propulsion systems, they've typically been strapped to the user's arms or legs. The CudaJet is different, in that it's a true backpack-style underwater jetpack.

We first heard about the device five years ago, when it was a prototype called the Cuda.

It was developed by British underwater enthusiast Archie O'Brien while he was in his final year at Loughborough Design School. Among other things, he wanted to create a system that was lighter and faster than existing products. The CudaJet is the final commercial version of what he envisioned.

A complete CudaJet system weighs approximately 15 kg (33 lb) on land
CudaJet

The setup consists of the dual-jet-drive pack itself, which is attached to a padded neoprene harness that's worn on the torso. A hardwired handheld trigger-style remote is used to control the speed and monitor the lithium battery's charge level – one 75-minute charge is claimed to be good for a runtime of up to 40 minutes.

The jetpack can be used down to a maximum depth of 40 meters (131 ft) and delivers 40 kg (88 lb) of thrust, reportedly taking the wearer to a top speed of 3 meters (10 ft) per second. It's said to tip the scales at 13.2 kg (29 lb) when out of the water, with the harness adding an extra 1.5 to 1.7 kg (3.3 to 3.7 lb) depending on the size.

Pricing for a complete CudaJet package starts at £14,000 (about US$18,021) – we're still waiting to hear back about availability. You can see the jetpack in action, in the video below.

Source: CudaJet

View gallery - 5 images
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7 comments
Ric
This actually looks pretty fun. Seems like something you’d rent since it’s pretty out of the price range for most to buy. I hope it can take the wear and tear of daily use so the rental model is commercially viable.
guzmanchinky
Does it suck in long hair? I've been a diver for decades, you'd have to be VERY careful not to bust depth (ear busting) and up speed (decompression)...
zort
Can you wear (and use) flippers with them?
How is it on noise?
I agree, the price will limit most sells to rental companies.
RAG
Build one to fit around an air tank and you'd have something!
Joseph OFlaherty
I’ve owed DPVs for decades. I currently have a Piranha (by DiveXras). With batteries it weighs about 25 lbs. It has the same runtime as “Cudajet” but the Piranha is a “pro” machine, much more powerful, and often hauls supplies for cave diving. It uses 4 (20v x 5ah) “Dewalt” tool batteries; so the Piranha is allowed on airliners and the batteries are easy and cheap to replace (e.g. if the DPV is flooded). The diver wears a climbing type harness (through the crotch and around the waist) which is clipped to opposite sides of the prop shroud. He/she steers and controls the throttle with one extended arm. Very comfortable both for freediving and scuba. The Piranha costs about $7k with all bugs long ago solved. I’d buy this or other traditional DPV saving $10k with a proven, better design.
Peter W.
Should be combined with the "Diver" mini air tank so you can spend quite a few minutes under power. The Diver is so small you could fit two tanks either side of the Cuda and extend that time. For the budding James Bonds out there, you should also be able to fit a couple of spear guns on either side for the complete 007 look and feel while your spearing your dinner.
Tommo
What happens when the battery dies and you're left in deep water with a very expensive 15Kg dead-weight attached to your back?