Marine

Redesigned U-Boat Worx Super Sub gets a big boost in speed

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Whereas the Super Sub previously had an estimated top speed of 8 knots, it should now be capable of going up to 10 knots
U-Boat Worx
The new design is the result of a collaboration with Dutch maritime research institute MARLIN, which specializes in computational flow dynamics
U-Boat Worx
The Super Sub is now sleeker and more hydrodynamic
U-Boat Worx
The Super Sub seats three people – two in front, and one in the back
U-Boat Worx
The redesigned Super Sub is 650 cm long by 327 cm wide by 214 cm high (21.3 by 10.7 by 7 ft), and will weigh an estimated 9,000 kg (19,842 lb)
U-Boat Worx
The Super Sub will able to dive to a maximum depth of 300 m (984 ft)
U-Boat Worx
Whereas the Super Sub previously had an estimated top speed of 8 knots, it should now be capable of going up to 10 knots
U-Boat Worx
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It was just last year that we told you about the Super Sub, a speedy three-person electric submersible made by Dutch company U-Boat Worx. Well, the firm has now announced a revisal to its design, which will make the watercraft even faster.

The Super Sub was originally estimated to have a top speed of 8 knots (9.2 mph, 14.8 km/h), which is nearly three times as fast as most other luxury submersibles. That figure has now been boosted to 10 knots (11.5 mph, 18.5 km/h), thanks to a sleeker, more hydrodynamic design.

The latter is the result of a collaboration with Dutch maritime research institute MARLIN, which specializes in computational flow dynamics. According to U-Boat Worx, the Super Sub is now "the most flow-dynamic submersible ever conceived," offering an estimated top speed "that is 3 to 4 knots faster than the top cruising speed of a bottlenose dolphin."

The redesigned Super Sub is 650 cm long by 327 cm wide by 214 cm high (21.3 by 10.7 by 7 ft), and will weigh an estimated 9,000 kg (19,842 lb)
U-Boat Worx

As before, its three passengers will still view the undersea world through a transparent acrylic bubble. It will move through the water via four 15-kW thrusters delivering a total 60 kW of thrust – combined with its rear hydrofoils, these will allow it to perform 30-degree climbs and dives. It will able to dive to a maximum depth of 300 m (984 ft), which is a little on the shallow side when compared to some of its competitors.

Power will be provided by a 62-kWh battery, one charge of which should be good for up to eight hours of underwater use. That said, the sub's life support system is claimed to be capable of operating for a minimum of 96 hours if needed.

U-Boat Worx has stated that the first Super Sub has already been pre-sold to a private customer, with delivery planned to take place sometime in 2023. The company says that sea trials should begin next spring (Northern Hemisphere). There's still no word on pricing.

Source: U-Boat Worx

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2 comments
Dr.Glove136
Alas, it still isn't fast enough to escape a Mark 48 torpedo, enraged giant squid or frolicsome sperm whale. And I eagerly await the after action report of the enthusiast billionare who attempts to snoop around the Titanic wreckage.
jayedwin98020
Jeez! What a speed demon!