Hi Folks, Captain George Kittredge has been working on a new design called the UEM (Ultimate Exercise Machine). George has a few marketing type questions. I'll summarize but you can read his mail for details. 1. Would you accept the elimination of the drop lead weight? An emergancy high pressure air blow system and flooding out the submarine through the 2" quick closing valve would be kept for emergencies. 2. Price. What price would be acceptable for a basic pedal power sub capable of going to 250 feet? At what price would you pull out the check book and buy one? 3. What price for the sailing option? 4. George didn't ask but would you want to buy plans or actual sub? 5. George wants to eliminate batteries and air tanks from normal operations as charging batteries and scuba tanks is a pain. Can you part with these? Keep in mind no motors so no need for for big battery banks. Is there a need for any batteries at all? Any scuba tanks would be for emergancies only but I am not sure how George intend to blow the main ballast tanks clear. Maybe a hand pump. 6. Any intest for UEM out in PSUB land? Regards, Ray ------------- Begin Forwarded Message ------------- Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2001 05:02:37 -0500 To: Ray@psubs.org From: Captain George Kittredge Subject: UEM Ray, Would you do something for me? Attached is a photo of UEM which I took on the 4th of November. As you know, my original intention was to make a dry, pedal power submarine which could also sail. It operated beyond my expectations in everything but its turning circle. I had the rudder in front of the propeller like the Navy N subs. I wanted a smaller turning circle and better maneuverability. The rudder is now aft of the propeller and works fine. But I want to make another change. Charging batteries and scuba tanks is a pain. I am sure that I can eliminate both, keeping a small scuba tank for emergency but everything else would be self contained. Here is what I would like to find out from your readers. 1) Would they accept the elimination of the drop lead weight keeping a high pressure air blow system instead for emergency. Or would they want to retain the drop lead feature? Of course, they could always flood out the submarine through the 2" quick closing valve in the aft head of the submarine and make a buoyant ascent. 2) Price? What price would be acceptable for the basic pedal power sub capable of going to 250 feet? What price for the sailing option? In regard to the maximum operating depth, the calculated collapse depth of the hull is 1140 feet but the acrylic hemsiphere, when we tested the Mk III in General Dynamic's (Electric Boat) test chamber at Groton, Connecticut, failed at 824 feet; however, the hemisphere could be made to withstand the collapse pressure of the steel hull. Best regards, George ------------- End Forwarded Message -------------
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