Into the deep.It all started when Robert Langford discovered his passion for scuba diving scuba diving Swimming done underwater with a self-contained underwater-breathing apparatus (scuba), as opposed to skin diving, which requires only a snorkel, goggles, and flippers. Scuba gear was invented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan in 1943. . He loved being underwater, so he decided to come up with a way to stay under for an even longer period of time. In 2000, Langford began developing plans and designs for his very own personal submersible submersible, small, mobile undersea research vessel capable of functioning in the ocean depths. Development of a great variety of submersibles during the later 1950s and 1960s came about as a result of improved technology and in response to a demonstrated need for , which is basically a small submarine, usually built for one or two people. In 2004, Langford contacted Rainier Cast Parts, a small metalcaster in Shelton, Wash. After working out some details, Rainier agreed to cast the first ever aluminum, battery-powered personal submersible. Most personal submersibles currently on the market cost between $1.2 and $1.7 million, are made of steel and use propane. Langford's is considerably less expensive. The 500-lb. creation is a one-seater, with dimensions of 64 x 21 x 30 in. To enter the chamber, Langford perches on the edge and slides in, where he sits in a reclined re·cline v. re·clined, re·clin·ing, re·clines v.tr. To cause to assume a leaning or prone position. v.intr. To lie back or down. position, much like you would in a poolside lounge chair. The acrylic, 360-degree hatch, winch doubles as a viewport (1) In the Macintosh, the entire scrollable region of data that is viewed through a window. (2) Same as window. , comes down over his head. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Langford, "It's like there is nothing separating you from the water." Right and left foot pedals are used for turning, while hand-operated control sticks direct up-and-down motion. Langford is excited at the prospect of others being able to enjoy his personal submersible in the future. He believes film crews, port authorities port authorities npl → autoridades fpl portuarias , marine biologists, niversities, tourists and post-hurricane crews could benefit from the innovative design. The "little sub" will make its maiden voyage Noun 1. maiden voyage - the first voyage of its kind; "in 1912 the ocean liner Titanic sank on its maiden voyage" ocean trip, voyage - an act of traveling by water this month at the personal submersibles convention in Holland, Mich. Langford says he would love to have to go to a metalcaster one day and place an order for 10 of his submersibles. "I think my submersible can far outperform others out there [on the market] right now." Sub Stats Size: 64 x 21 x 30 in. Weight: 500 lbs. Depth Capability: 3,000+ ft. Speed: Estimated 10-12 knots Metal: A356-T6 Aluminum Casting Process: Sand Laura Brown, Editorial Intern |
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