BUILDING THE HYPERSUB
Our R&D with underwater technologies led to the
development of a closed-circuit engine system we believed capable of powering a
submarine. Next, we developed and built
a steel pressure hull for a High Performance Submersible project we called the
HYPERSUB. The intent was a minisub
capable of high speed and long endurance, for whatever practical purposes such
might have.
First we
designed the submarine on paper, and then built a test model to experiment with
in our pool. This inexpensive replica
allowed us to examine
weight-and-balance, form drag, and hydrodynamic efficiency.
After we were satisfied with the design, we built a steel pressure hull for the HYPERSUB. Above is an in-process shot of that hull under development. At this point it is comprised of a machine-formed, arc welded steel hull of hydrodynamically efficient teardrop spindle shape, which has been adapted with a cabin structure and control surfaces made up of cardboard templates.
Pat seated inside the HYPERSUB cabin mockup, checking the view through the front ports.
After we were satisfied with the size and shape of the cabin mockup, we used the cardboard templates as patterns from which these steel parts were made.
Pat
forming the steel cabin flange to fit the pressure hull.
Pat showing off. “We’re
not only willing to stand behind our work, but on it as well!”
Grinding the hatch aperture.