Getting to a depth of 5,600 feet (1,700 meters) is not unachievable, but it is usually done through crammed submersible with limited field of view or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). With that in mind, Dutch private submarine builder, U-Worx teamed up with leading scientists to design a compact and cost-effective submarine that will enable researchers to reach extreme depth safely, comfortably and without inhibiting the vision. Based on the submarine builder’s C-Explorer and packing proven technology, the U-Boat Worx C-Researcher 3, as it is called, is the world’s first 3-person submarine capable of deep dive and it is the first of its kind to achieve such depth with a spherical acrylic pressure hull design.
The bubble hull affords the pilot and its two occupants panoramic views of the underwater environment that would otherwise be obscured in traditional submersible. Unlike most research submersible, C-Researcher 3 is not bound to operate from large dedicated mother vessels; instead, it is designed to be operated from a wide range of vessels, including super yachts. Though we doubt research vessels would be anything but super yacht-grade, but hey, what do we know? Some research projects could be insanely well funded. In any case, if your big ship is capable of hauling this lightweight submarine, then it will work. If you bring it to other parts of the world, you’d be glad to know that it fits in standard 20-feet shipping container too.
As with all other U-Boat Worx’s submersible, C-Researcher 3 boasts numerous safety features and redundant systems that will guarantee the safety of its occupants, and it is being offered with an extensive list of optional tools to suit a variety of applications. As for the price, it is listed as “price on request,” but it is likely to be pricey, so perhaps a good relationship with your sponsors may come in handy at this point.
