They say everything is better under the sea, well, they do in the Disney film A Little Mermaid. The Super Sub is a new offering from the Dutch firm U-Boat Worx, and it allows you and two others to experience a whole new world whenever you want. Jeremy takes an in-depth look at what this incredible personal submarine offers.
It’s often reported that only five per cent of the earth’s oceans have been explored. That is quite staggering when you think about how technically advanced a species we consider ourselves to be. Earths ocean hides countless mysteries and treasures, and it’s also one of the few places left on the planet where you can get away from everyone.
I’m pretty sure that many reading this would grab the chance to head deep down into the ocean, and if you have deep enough pockets, you and two passengers can make this an everyday reality. The Super Sub from submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx opens up the oceans for those wanting to explore marine life. Previously this type of submarine would only have been available to research teams or salvage firms.
Dutch submersible manufacturer, U-Boat Worx, is changing what is possible and offers a range of personal submarines. The new Super Sub is the company’s fastest submersible vehicle and comes kitted out with some groundbreaking features and technology.
A long tail and advanced wing design are distinguishing features of the Super Sub, the most hydrodynamic submarine on the market.
The propulsion system on the Super Sub is said to be the best-in-class, with four powerful thrusters delivering a total of 60 kW. This allows for steep 30-degree climbs and dives that results in the smoothest and most exhilarating underwater experience. The Super Sub is capable of diving to depths of 300 metres while maintaining an almost 360-degree view.
The droplet-shaped design is the first submersible to emerge from U-Boat Worx’s custom submarine programme, allowing owners to be part of the bespoke design process. The Super Sub delivers an unprecedented eight knots underwater, capable of keeping up with significant sized marine life. The speed is two knots faster than the top cruising speed of a bottlenose dolphin and five knots faster than the average submersible.
You can glide behind a bale of sea turtles and cruise with a shiver of sharks. Swoop through the undercurrent of a powerful barracuda, then dive and turn with a school of dolphins. The craft is so manoeuvrable and accommodates two passengers and a pilot in total comfort. The three-seater submersible has a luxury supercar interior akin to vessels seen in Bond movies.
A five-point belt buckle system guarantees occupants are securely strapped in for thrilling rides. U-Boat Worx’s signature ultra-clear acrylic bubble front provides unobstructed views in every direction.
The Super Sub has Lithium-ion batteries specially engineered for low weight and endurance, so it Weighs 9,000 kg, yet has the power required for performance and speed.
I can’t list all the innovative technology that makes the Super Sub perform so well, but I will touch on what most people will be interested in when venturing to the dark depths: safety.
I have concentrated on four of the many safety features installed on the vessel.
Maximum Depth Protection (MDP)
The MDP function prevents the pilot from diving deeper than the submarine’s maximum operating depth of 300 metres. If the submersible dives too deep, the MDP operates and automatically raises the sub within its certified depth.
Safety Buoy
The Safety Buoy is a feature of all U-Boat Worx submersibles. If released, it floats on the surface marking the sub’s position below. The safety buoy of the Super Sub models also sends a signal to the mother ship. The Dyneema Rope that connects the buoy with the submersible measures 1.5 times the operating depth of the submersible
Deadman’s Switch (DMS)
This DMS safety system will automatically resurface the submersible in the unlikely event that the pilot becomes incapacitated. The pilot must acknowledge the DMS every 10 minutes; otherwise, it will initiate the ascent procedure.
96 Hours Life Support
Each U-Boat Worx submarine comes equipped with a minimum of 96 hours of life support. Whether it is a 3-person or an 11-person submarine, all occupants have 96 hours of life support available. This additional life support is mandatory according to the rules of DNV GL and would be used in the unlikely situation that the submersible needs to remain underwater longer than the regular mission time. Oxygen supply and CO2 scrubbers to filter the air and emergency battery power for life support monitoring, communication with the surface, light, food, and water are part of the support.
The first Super Sub model has been bought and will be delivered in 2023. U-Boat Worx is extending its position as the market leader in the world of personal submersibles and will form a core range of submarines around the Super Sub. Last year NEMO was launched by the Dutch firm and proved a success. U-Boat Worx is setting a new bar for the high-end luxury, adventurer underwater exploration market.
The Super Sub is a craft I would love to have a voyage in, and it would undoubtedly bring to life my childhood of watching Marine boy and ten thousand leagues under the sea. Looking into the details of the submersible, it is not clear what qualifications, if any, you need to pilot the Super Sub.
But one thing is for sure; you will need plenty of money to purchase the vessel and have all the support required to launch and recover it. If you can finance this, and find yourself with a spare seat, please put my name on it!
U-Boat Worx Super Sub – Where and How?
The base model of the U-Boat Worx Super Sub is five million Euros, and the company has five other vessels ranging in size and price. You can find get more information on their current range of submersibles at https://www.uboatworx.com.
Read more maritime focused articles in our yachting and boating section here.
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