New type of diving

Francois Alexandre Bertrand and his team spent four years developing and testing a new underwater research facility, called Platypus, which will be officially launched in 2014.

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This is a product sponsored by French naval architect Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP). The latest design measures 5.7 x 2.5m and weighs about 700kg; Small, slightly lighter than the original. Platypus's twin body is accumulating an electric compressor called the hookak to collect energy from the waves and provide oxygen to four passengers on the dive.

Platypus diving equipment can be driven dynamically, or can be driven automatically with the panoramic camera to observe. Other options include digital glass, submarine lights, underwater cameras, GPS, wifi, submarine communications systems called Ocean Reef.

This new type of dinghy offers the use of an electric drive system, operating in a radius of 40km, at a speed of 9km / h. If equipped with 10.5kW lithium ion rechargeable battery, the maximum speed can be up to 11.5km / hour and the operating radius is 48km.

According to Gizmag magazine, Platypus will be available for sale in 2014 for $ 69,000.