Marine

Electric Scubster personal sub dives into crowdfunding pond

Electric Scubster personal sub dives into crowdfunding pond
The Scubster Nemo can reach a top speed of 8 km/h and it's batteries are reported good for 2 hours between charges
The Scubster Nemo can reach a top speed of 8 km/h and it's batteries are reported good for 2 hours between charges
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Stephane Rousson demonstrates the high maneuverability of the Scubster Nemo
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Stephane Rousson demonstrates the high maneuverability of the Scubster Nemo
As with the human-powered Scubster, the pilot of the electric-powered flavor had to be suited and tanked up before the dive
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As with the human-powered Scubster, the pilot of the electric-powered flavor had to be suited and tanked up before the dive
The Scubster Nemo prototype has a prop on each side of the craft, each able to be rotated independently using lever couple to bars
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The Scubster Nemo prototype has a prop on each side of the craft, each able to be rotated independently using lever couple to bars
The Scubster Nemo can reach a top speed of 8 km/h and it's batteries are reported good for 2 hours between charges
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The Scubster Nemo can reach a top speed of 8 km/h and it's batteries are reported good for 2 hours between charges
Stephane Rousson demonstrates the high maneuverability of the Scubster Nemo
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Stephane Rousson demonstrates the high maneuverability of the Scubster Nemo
The Scubster Nemo can be launched by just one person
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The Scubster Nemo can be launched by just one person
The Scubster Nemo has a carbon fiber shell, with transparent acrylic to the top
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The Scubster Nemo has a carbon fiber shell, with transparent acrylic to the top
The original pedal-powered Scubster single pilot carbon fiber sub
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The original pedal-powered Scubster single pilot carbon fiber sub
The Scubster Nemo is reported to be highly maneuverable
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The Scubster Nemo is reported to be highly maneuverable
View gallery - 9 images

When we caught up with French high flyer Stephane Rousson at the Paris Green Air Show 5 years ago, in addition to showing off his helium-filled Zeppy 3 sail balloon, he also detailed a pedal-powered personal submarine called the Scubster. In 2011, the Scubster team took part in the International Submarine Race at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in the US, and managed to snag an Innovation Award. Now Rousson and designer Minh-lôc Truong have launched an electric version of the single pilot carbon fiber sub on Kickstarter.

In development since 2011, the Scubster Nemo was put through its underwater paces just last month. As with the human-powered Scubster, the pilot of the electric-powered flavor had to be suited and tanked up before the dive. The current prototype has a prop on each side, controlled using a lever coupled to a bar and each can be rotated independently. This is reported to make the craft highly maneuverable.

The Scubster Nemo is reported to be highly maneuverable
The Scubster Nemo is reported to be highly maneuverable

Two electric motors power it to a top speed of 8 km/h (4 kn), which can be removed and replaced by more powerful ones if needed. Its pair of battery packs installed in the back are promised to be good for 2 hours of use between charges (though Rousson told us that he's aiming to bump that up to 5 hours by October), and there's also enough room in the rear to throw in extra batteries to power any video cameras and lights mounted to the Nemo.

Though the object of the Kickstarter venture is to move toward commercial availability, backers are not being given the chance to actually own a Scubster Nemo just yet (at the moment, the sub would cost around €15,000 – about US$16,500 – to build).

Instead, they're being tempted to support the project with the promise of a 30 minute Scubster Nemo pilot instruction session at a maximum depth of 10 m (33 ft) for a pledge of at least €150 ($165), or a diving holiday in Europe for €2,000 ($2,200) or more.

Stephane Rousson demonstrates the high maneuverability of the Scubster Nemo
Stephane Rousson demonstrates the high maneuverability of the Scubster Nemo

Any profits gained from the campaign, which runs until October 6, will be used to improve on the prototype and ready it for production. Rousson says that the Nemo would be a good fit as a research tool for archaeologists and marine scientists, as well as a working craft for coastal patrols by the authorities and for diving clubs looking to explore clear waters at pace.

You can see the Scubster Nemo prototype in action in the video below.

Sources: Scubster, Kickstarter

Scubster Underwater Aerobatics

View gallery - 9 images
3 comments
3 comments
Buellrider
Very nice sub to get around in it looks to me.
Brian Taylor
Okay, as even the name implies, this is not a submarine. It's an underwater vehicle, basically just an underwater scooter with a seat and a steerable frame.
Stephen N Russell
Mass produce for Sales & rental markets IE Hawaii Mexico Caribbean Med Sea Red Sea, Australia So Pacific Java & add to yachts for clients to acess oceanspaces. Awesome
Batteries should last 8-10 hours minimum. Or add fuel cell module for power. Carry 2-4 persons per sub??