If you’re going to redesign your product, it makes sense to work with the experts. That’s exactly what Dutch company U-Boat did on its Worx Super Sub. With the help of the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands, U-Boat redesigned its three-person submersible—and we’re not talking just superficial changes here. The redesign dramatically improves the Super Sub’s performance, not to mention, looks great in the process.
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U-Boat Worx Private Super Sub | Image: U-Boat Worx
Using the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands’s expertise in computational flow dynamics, U-Boat gave their Worx Super Sub a more streamlined shape that will help it glide more efficiently through the water. They also smoothed out the side fins and integrated them more fully into the body of the watercraft. The improvements turn into a noticeable difference, with top speeds jumping up from the original design’s 8 knots—three times faster than most other personal subs—to a more impressive 10 knots. That’s about three to four knots faster than the cruising speed of a bottlenose dolphin, boasts the company.
“We’re very excited about this development. It’s something we have been working hard on, and now to have ht most flow-dynamic submersible possible, we couldn’t be more pleased. We are confident that our clients will feel the same,” said Bert Houtman, CEO of U-Boat Worx. Those clients recently started including private customers, resorts, and cruise lines where previously U-Boat focused more on militaries, research institutes, and tourism companies.
U-Boat Worx Private Super Sub | Image: U-Boat Worx
The U-Boat Worx Super Sub can transport a pilot and two passengers—who sit in a transparent acrylic bubble for a fully unobstructed view of their voyage—to depths of 300 metres. The sub is powered by four thrusters capable of 15 kW, which draw their juice from a 62 kWh battery pack capable of keeping the sub going for up to eight hours underwater. The thrusters allow for 30-degree climes and dives. In the unlikely event you run into trouble, the sub can support life for up to 96 hours.
Sea trials are scheduled for sometime in the spring, and pricing will no doubt be announced after, though the first sub has already reportedly been sold. If you can’t wait, you can contact U-Boat Worx about their nine-passenger Nexus series or the original version of the three-passenger Super Sub.
U-Boat Worx Private Super Sub | Image: U-Boat Worx
U-Boat Worx Private Super Sub | Image: U-Boat Worx
U-Boat Worx Private Super Sub | Image: U-Boat Worx
