Dutch submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx has introduced five new research submarines that open up the deep to private explorers and oceanographic research organizations.
The deepest diving submersible of the new C-Researcher series is the 2-person “C-Researcher 2”, which has an operating depth of 2,000 metres.
The 2-person model also comes in a 500 metre rated version, while the 3-person designs are built for 480 metres, 1,100 metres and 1,700 metres.
Two key innovations on the C-Researcher submersibles are the Pressure-Tolerant Lithium-ion battery technology and the automatic trim weight system.
The battery system, developed in-house by U-Boat Worx, results in a 350% increase of battery capacity when compared to traditional submersibles using lead-acid. The technology has been tested to 4,000 metres and stores a total of 62 kWh in compact battery modules. The abundance of power makes it possible to apply more and stronger electrical thrusters, extend mission time, install additional lights and halve travel time between the surface and the ocean floor.
The C-Researcher design also incorporates U-Boat Worx’ characteristic unimpeded view for its occupants. This has been achieved by placing the acrylic sphere at the front of the submersible and the automatic trim weight system.
Bert Houtman , founder and chairman of U-Boat Worx, said: “By combining the latest innovations with over 12 years of experience in designing, building and operating the world’s largest fleet of submersibles, our new C-Researcher series offers superyacht owners and deep ocean research communities the safest, best-performing and most luxurious submersibles to explore the underwater world.”
The first of the new C-Researchers are scheduled for launch in the summer of 2018.