The Italian startup iSpace2o has announced the development of the first hull for its Deepseaker DS1 submersible hydrofoil. This machine will fly over water at speeds up to 23 knots (43 km/h26 mph) and underwater up to 50 meters (164 feet).
There is no such thing
Deepseaker is the first hydrofoil of its kind: no other fast boat in the world is also capable of diving. The vessel is also entirely electric and powered by silent “Deepspeed” jets developed and produced by Sealence.
Electric boats have difficulty reaching long distances because their range is so limited, but this hydrofoil lifts out of the water significantly reducing drag and improving effective range. It is no coincidence that this is the solution that the city of Venice also hopes to revolutionize the entire maritime flow in the lagoon, improving the environment and wear and tear on buildings.
A whole new hydrofoil
It goes without saying that this hydrofoil is packed full of technology. Another key innovation, the company says, comes through a partnership with Like-A-Fish, which will provide the Deepseaker with “nearly unlimited” (sic.) cabin oxygen for four people.
I think about this, okay? The technology would work by injecting seawater at low pressure through a special electric centrifuge that obtains oxygen to breathe. A device that consumes around 150 watts of power per person and prototyped in 2010, but with no updates since 2015. Will it work?
And in terms of comfort? The iSpace2o could be equipped with Tesla-style artificial intelligence (AI) and inflatable airbags to return the hydrofoil to the surface in an emergency. Plus: an AR-inspired head-up display, built-in GoPros for breathtaking footage, hydrophones for audio, and a double-shell structure that can keep the cabin safe even after a collision damages the exterior.
When will we see one?
Production of the first DS1 hull is starting now, the result of an Invitalia loan. The final touches to the design will be the work of the Giancarlo Zema group, while the F1 team H20 Blaze Performance will be responsible for the construction of the hull and the development of the hydrofoil.
I can't wait to see a Deepseaker on the water (and under). It could become the favorite trinket to combine with mega yachts, but also give a big boost to tourist operators: think of diving excursions with small fleets of these hydrofoils supplied to cruise ships.
There are elements that are a little complicated to fine-tune, but if everything works as it should we will have something that will leave you speechless. Good luck, Deepseaker!
