Underwater vehicle

摘要

An aquatic vehicle particularly suited for underwater transport of swimmers and divers comprises the assembly of a cylindrical body having a detachable nosecone and a shrouded propeller. The nosecone supports an externally open ballast receptacle. The propeller shroud is secured to the aft edge extremities of aft end stabilizing and directional alignment fins. Propeller supply water is drawn through aft end apertures through the cylindrical body wall located between the fins and over the electric drive motor housing for motor cooling. Front and canard fins further contribute to the directionality and ease of steering. Electric power is provided by sealed cell lead/acid batteries having a gelatinous electrolyte. Additional battery design features preclude sea water leakage damage and gaseous combustion. Battery charge state is continuously reported to the user by a light emitting diode display and a supporting liquid presence sensor interrupts the power circuit operation when the vehicle is not in buoyant operation as a safety precaution against propeller inflicted injuries when the vehicle is out of the water.