Human sub speed record
The WASUB team from the Delft University of Technology has just broken the world speed record for human-powered, one-person propeller driven submarines.
The final clocked speed of 7.42 knots was the highest in all categories including two-person submarines during the International Submarine Races (ISR) held 22-26 June 2015 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center near Bethesda, Maryland (United States).
A team of 20 students from Delft University of Technology designed, built and tested a man-powered submarine, the WASUB V. After a year of hard work, it was time to participate in the race. During ISR, the WASUB V shot across the 900m long David Taylor Basin at a tremendous speed and won first place.
Team manager WASUB V Ruben de Nie, explained: “Best we could have done. We had the right ingredients and it all came together at the right moment.”
Damen is proud to be one of the main sponsors. “They have the absolute speed record. Damen congratulates the WASUB TU Delft team on being the fastest in all classes. An outstanding achievement,” said Research Coordinator Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding Joep Broekhuijsen.
The shared knowledge resulting from the lessons learned during this project could be valuable for future submarine replacement research.
By Jake Frith
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