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You are in: Home > , , , , , > Submarine Takes Human-Powered Machines To New Depths

Submarine Takes Human-Powered Machines To New Depths

2 by Karen MacKay on October 27, 2010


The "Scubster"  is a one-man pedal-powered submarine.

This 3.5 meter-long single passenger submarine, designed by a team of French engineers led by Stéphane Rousson and Minh-Lôc Truong, has tested waters across the globe. French-born Stéphane Rousson is no stranger to unique pedal-powered vehicles. In 2008, he tried to fly across the English Channel pedaling a blimp.

"I've been up in the air by pedaling, underwater with my bike and now underwater with a submarine," Rousson told Reuters.

Reaching speeds of up to 5 mph and depths of 20 feet, the carbon fiber Scubster is powered by twin propellers connected to a customized gear mechanism and belt drive from a Strida bike. Hermetically sealed, the passenger breathes with a mask and a bottle of oxygen. Controls inside the pilot compartment help steer the Scubster up, down, left and right, or propel it in forward and reverse.

Rousson, in full wet suit, has powered the Scubster for test runs but the long-term goal for the project is to enter the 2011 International Submarine Race scheduled for June 27 to July 1 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Carderock Division in Bethesda, MD. This will mark the first time a French team has entered the competition.

(Gizmag)

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About the Author:

Karen MacKay is an industrial designer and glass artist currently focusing her work on urban agriculture solutions and habits for urban wildlife. Karen’s interest in art began as early as her first memories. Throughout high school and college she explored various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture and glass blowing. In 2002 Karen graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a BA in Philosophy and recently graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Industrial Design. Since an early age, Karen has maintained a passionate relationship with both art and nature. She loves to spend time in the outdoors, usually with her dog Abbey. As a designer, her expertise in sustainable design integrates her passion for all things natural and her insatiable desire to create. Karen has worked as a sustainability consultant to various design and architecture firms and is currently continuing to develop a vertical farming device for in-home use.

Twitter Follow Karen MacKay on Twitter: @kmackay

2 responses to “Submarine Takes Human-Powered Machines To New Depths”

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