S07 → N400

The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected





SPIKE 21
→ ATMOSPHERIC DIVING SUIT.



© 1. David L.Dekker/German Museum of Technology — Neufeldt-Kuhnke Tiefseetaucher ADS “Type 1916” /2. Hulton Archive/Central Press/Getty Images — ADS (1974) / 3. E. Bacon/Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images — Inventor Joseph Salim Peress explains the workings of his new rustless diving suit, "Tritonia" made of Staybrite Silver Steel, at the Olympia Shipping Exhibition in London (1925) / 4. unknown — Roberto Galeazzi with the DRASS deep-sea ADS / 5. & 6. unknown — Harry L. Bowdoin and his “submarine armour” with car headlights on each arm (1931) / 7. The Brooklyn Eagle/Brooklyn Public Library — Enos B. Petrie & Joseph E. Martin ADS (1902-1904) / 8. Offshore Submersibles Ltd. (OSEL) — Graham Hawkes inside a WASP suit / 9. Universal Images Group Editorial — Testing of a P-7 Neufeldt and Kuhnk metal diving suit in France (1926) / 10. OAR/National Undersea Research Program (NURP) — J. Peress' 1-atm dive suit, Tritonia, (1935) / 11. unknown — Chester E. Macduffee with his diving suit made of aluminum alloy weighing 250 kg (551 lbs) (1911) / 12. Musée Nationale de la Marine — Alphonse and Theodore Carmagnolle inventors of the Carmagnolle (1882).


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Atmospheric diving suits (ADS) are sophisticated suits designed to maintain a surface-level pressure environment for the wearer, allowing extended dives in the deep seas without the risks associated with traditional diving methods. The concept of atmospheric diving suits dates back to the early 18th century, with various inventors attempting to create a suit that could withstand underwater pressure. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that significant advancements were made. 

ADS are usually constructed from strong, lightweight materials such as aluminium or composite alloys, designed to withstand the immense pressures found at great depths. The suit’s rigid structure maintains an internal pressure of one atmosphere, regardless of the external pressure. This eliminates the need for decompression stops, a significant advantage over traditional diving methods. Key features include articulated joints, which allow greater mobility and dexterity and enable divers to perform complex tasks underwater. They are also equipped with life-support systems that provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, ensuring the diver can breathe comfortably.

In 1913, the first practical ADS, known as the “Neufeldt-Kuhnke” suit, was developed, featuring a rigid metal frame and jointed limbs. However, the major breakthrough came in the 1960s with the development of the “JIM suit”, made from cast magnesium alloy, which allowed divers to reach depths of 600 metres (2,000 feet). The first model was built in 1969 by Mike Humphrey and Mike Borrow, partners in the English firm Underwater Marine Equipment Limited (UMEL), who were assisted by Joseph Salim Peress. Peress had built his first atmospheric diving suit in 1924 and had the Neufeldt und Kuhnke “Panzertaucher” as his main inspiration for this new prototype.

Among the various atmospheric diving suits, the “Wasp” suit stands out for its unique design and capabilities. Developed in the 1980s by the British company OSEL (Oceanographic Systems Engineering Ltd), it was equipped with its own propulsion system, allowing divers to “fly” underwater. This propulsion system consisted of thrusters controlled by the diver, enabling them to move in any direction with ease. The Wasp suit provided unparalleled mobility compared to other atmospheric diving suits of its time, making it a favourite for underwater inspection and maintenance tasks.




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