Sail-World.com : New Hyper-Submersible Powerboat to change industry
|
New Hyper-Submersible Powerboat to change industry |
Is it a submarine or a deep diving powerboat... no matter what its the Hyper-SubTM Submersible Powerboat, a revolutionary new vessel. The designers Marion Hyper-Submersible Powerboat Design claim its configuration is flexible enough to open the seas to industry, individuals, and the military in ways never before thought possible.
The Hyper-Sub is the first small craft built with the horsepower, sea-keeping, and range to allow operation on the high seas, which also functions as a self-charging, autonomous, one-atmosphere submarine. The patented design, which was 31 years in the making, will forever alter the mini-sub industry say the designers.
In the simplest of terms, this is accomplished by combining tested, ABS-certified* submersible design and components with the lifting and payload capacity of a heavy-duty, 31 foot surface-cruising powerboat. However, the combination of these elements creates a vessel that is much greater than the sum of its parts.
Marion Hyper-Submersible Powerboat Design say the Hyper-Sub might not only re-define the market for small manned submersibles, it will set an entirely new standard for small craft safety.
Testing underway.
According to Marion Powerboat Design, the Hyper-Sub prototype made history after two successful months of in-water testing! Dive testing was completed successfully in January 2008. 'The Fathom performed magnificently in a thorough battery of tests of all vessel systems, and the team is proud to have a fully-functional submarine. After over two months without leaving the water, the Fathom is on its way home for a refit of the bow in preparation for surface speed testing to occur in February. After the surface speed testing is complete, the vessel will prepare for its public debut and touring. Dates will be announced in the coming months.'
Prototype testing highlights:
21 complete full-submersion dives.
Maximum depth: 30 feet (approx.).
Total submerged time: 25 hours (approx.).
In each dive, the Fathom deployed from the dock under its surface propulsion power (880 hp) carrying up to 225 gallons of fuel, charging its own dive systems.
Highest submerged speed: over 2.5 knots.
Longest dive: 1hr., 45 min. (2 passengers breathing only cabin air).
Longest submerged distance traveled (in a single dive): 1.3 miles (approx.).
Based on the testing performance data, the Fathom can achieve a submerged distance of over 34 miles with upgraded batteries.
The 'proof of concept' portion of the program is now complete.
*The Hyper-Sub is still in the prototype stage; however, all production models will be built to ABS standards and certified.
General/Dimensions
Seating Capacity (cabin): 4, plus pilot
Overall Length: 34’
Total Beam/Width: 13’6'
Height (keel to top of cabin): 6’10'
Height with Arch/Spoiler: 8’6'
Draft: 24' (saltwater)
Dry Weight: 29,300 lbs
Surface Performance
Surface Powerplant: Twin 440 horsepower inboard Yanmar diesels
Fuel Capacity: 262.5 gallons, variable displacement cells
Out Drives: Arneson ASD-10, surface piercing props, 3,400 ft.-lbs. torque
Navigational Aids: GPS, chart plotting, radar, forward and downward sensing sonar, autopilot
Dive Performance
Submerged Propulsion: electric over hydraulic
Twin main hydraulic thrusters, 60 hp maximum
Bow and stern steering thrusters
Air Capacity: 2,000 std. cu. ft.
Air Recharge: Twin 5,000 psi SCBA compressors
Battery load: 2 AGM-type battery banks storing 13kWh (135Ah @ 96VDC).
Hyper-SubTM by Marion Hyper-Submersible Powerboat Design website: http://hyper-sub.com
by Media Services Share
11:43 PM Tue 8 Jan 2008 GMT
Click here for printer friendly version
Click here to send us feedback or comments about this story.
If you want to send this story to a friend, please use link below
http://www.sail-world.com/BoatingAndBoats/New-Hyper-Submersible-Powerboat-to-change-industry/40693
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
|
| |
