(With videos) With a final clocked speed of 7.42 knots (13.74 km/h), the Wasub V team closed the International Submarine Races (ISR) 2015 with a new world speed record for human powered one-person propeller driven submarines.
This speed was also the highest of all categories including the two-person submarines during the ISR of 2015. The old record of 13.49 km/h was owned by the Canadian university École de Technologie Supérieure.
Wasub: 'In the morning we started with the static fins attached to the hull. After two runs with a top speed of around 6 knots, we decided to remove the training wheels to decrease drag and to increase propeller efficiency. When the “go” signal was given, the Wasub V shot through the David Taylor Basin with a tremendous speed and it took four navy divers to catch him at the end!'
International Submarine Race
The International Submarine Race (ISR) 2015 was held in the David Taylor Model Basin in Carderock, USA, from June 22-26, 2015. The ISR challenges teams of university students to design, build and race human-powered submarines against the clock on an out-and-back course. The concept combines engineering design challenge with technical skill development and sets them in a unique and exciting sporting competition.
Picture of the Wasub team from SWZ Maritime's May issue, which featured an article on the Wasub. Subscribers can read it here.
Below a video of the World Record run at ISR Washington DC 2015 and a general video about the Wasub preparing for the races.
