What is the Innespace Dolphin?

A fully submersible watercraft that is designed to mimic the look and abilities of our beloved aquatic counterpart, the dolphin. The gas powered Dolphin has full three axis manovurabilty allowing it to fly through the water much like an airplane flys through the air.

How does it differ from conventional submersibles?

The Innespace Dolphin operates completely differently from a conventional submersible in several key ways. While a standard submersible takes on ballast (water weight) in order to literally sink beneath the surface, the Dolphin uses its forward momentum and variable pitch diving planes to fly beneath the surface. The distinction is much like the difference between an air ship (which uses a light weight gas to obtain lift) and an airplane (which uses its wings to achieve flight).

No other type of submersible vessel in the world today operates without the use of ballast. The advantage of this method of diving is that it allows our vessels to achieve an unparalleled level of freestyle performance. Another advantage of flying rather than sinking is that should something go wrong during a dive, the dolphin always pops to the surface and self-rights.

 How deep can the Innespace Dolphin dive?

Currently dives are restricted to just a few feet below the surface. When the snorkel, (located in the Dolphin's dorsal fin) is submerged, the engine's fresh air supply is cut off and the engine will start to lose power. The engine draws such a vacuum during these dives that cockpit air pressure will lower to the point where it often pops the pilot's ears. Deeper dives may be possible in the future with the use of supplementary compressed air. Most of today's engines with the necessary horsepower are too air-hungry for this to be a feasible option. The Dolphin uses 200 cubic feet per minute of air, while a Scuba tank holds only about 70 cubic feet of air. (Theoretically enough for a 20 second dive.)

How fast can the Dolphin go?

This Dolphin can achieve speeds up to 30 mph on the surface and 20 mph below the surface. The surface speed could be higher, but we have geared down the Dolphin's engine and propeller to maximize torque and sub-surface speed. Variable pitch props and multi-speed transmissions would allow faster surface and sub-surface speeds.

 What other tricks can the Dolphin perform?

The Dolphin has full 3-axis control (pitch, roll and yaw) much like an airplane. This allows the Dolphin to perform numerous tricks, not possible with any other watercraft today. These tricks include:

- Prolonged snorkel dives of 20 seconds at 20 mph

- Dipping below the water and then jumping clear out of the water

- Porpoising like a Dolphin

- Barrel rolls and multiple roll overs

- Mid air rolls with inverted landings

- Pitching straight down and popping up backwards

- Planeing at 30 mph with the canopy fully open

- Diving underneath a rubber raft or prop boat

What is the Innespace Dolphin made from?

The Dolphin's fuselage is made of fiberglass and Kevlar with a urethane foam core. The Dolphin's canopy is made from a half inch thick F-16 Fighter Jet canopy. She is powered by a 110 horsepower Yamaha Waverunner engine and driven through a velvet drive transmission with a 2:1 gear reduction.

 Is it dry inside?

Yes. The Dolphin utilizes an inflatable aircraft seal lto keep the cockpit 100% watertight.

 Where did the idea come from?

The concept, originally patented as a VASH (variable attitude submersible hydrofoil), was invented by Thomas Rowe in 1987 with his Dolphin, Noland 1. On September 7, 1992 it became the first lighter than water vehicle to ever successfully "fly" underwater. This groundbreaking craft proved the concept of underwater flight, and paved the way for a new form of aquatic transportation.

What is Innespace?

Innespace is a design and fabrication company, dedicated to the creation and demonstration of submersible watercraft. Rob Innes and Dan Piazza founded Innespace in 1998. We have designed numerous watercraft and fabricated several prototypes of various designs. Our current and most successful craft to date is the Innespace Dolphin (a.k.a. Sweet Virgin Angel), a fully operational submersible vessel. Completed in 2001,the Innespace Dolphin has undergone rigorous testing and refinement to become a very safe, reliable vessel able to perform on demand.

 Do you have any other vessels in the works?

Innespace now has a larger two-seater vessel, named the Seabreacher, This vessel can do all the tricks of the Dolphin, as well as accomodate a full sized passenger.

The Seabreacher is powered by a 240 horsepower supercharged Atkins marine rotary engine and is capable of surface speeds in excess of 40 mph. The fuselage is constructed from fiberglass, Kevlar, and honeycomb core material. Pilot and passenger sit safely beneath a 1/2-inch thick polycarbonate canopy like that used in the new F 22 Raptor.

Can I buy an Innespace Dolphin or Seabreacher?

The Innespace Dophin was always intended to be an exhibition vessel ony. Our new Seabreacher, however, is now available for public sale. Custom built versions can be tailored to meet your specific needs and desires. For purchasing information or to review the available options, click here.