U-Boat Worx set some very high expectations for the Super Sub. The Dutch company rather boldly labeled it the world’s fastest and most advanced private submersible before it even hit the seas. Fortunately, the new flagship is living up to the hype. 

The Super Sub has just completed sea trials, with engineers confirming that it is indeed the quickest and most high-tech submersible on the market. The intensive testing, which took place in the waters off Curaçao, saw the sub completing a series of demanding maneuvers to validate propulsion, handling, avionics-style controls, and onboard safety systems. It reportedly behaved less like a traditional underwater craft and more like a performance vehicle, according to U-Boat Worx. Think of it as the supercar of subs. 

First unveiled in 2021, the Super Sub features a droplet-shaped hull and an advanced wing configuration that generates hydronamic lift while maintaining stability. That results in a smooth surge forward that the yard says transforms the typical descent into “something closer to underwater flight.” Beyond the basic forward, up, and down movements, the Super Sub can move laterally and make 45-degree descents or sharp turns at depth. That makes it easier to navigate reefs and wrecks. 

As for grunt, the Super Sub packs an electric motor, a 62 kWh lithium battery, and four thrusters with a total output of 100 kW that together push it to a top speed of nine knots. (That seems to have been revised from the 10 knots touted in previous press releases.) It is faster than competitors (most personal subs do about three knots) and even quicker than a dolphin (they swim at about seven knots). It also has an operational depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet) and a range of up to 10 nautical miles, making it fit for deep-sea exploration.  

Within the acrylic bubble are two front passenger seats and a rear pilot seat, meaning the owner and/or guests enjoy an uninterrupted ocean panorama. All three seats are equipped with five-point harness belts that keep everybody nice and secure at speed. 

The sophisticated safety architecture should put seafarers’ minds at ease, too. The vessel is decked out with everything from a hyper-precise sonar system that continuously scans the seabed to a Deadman’s Switch that forces automatic ascent if the pilot is incapacitated. The interior is also fitted with a touchscreen display that shows all relevant navigational data.

The first Super Sub will be delivered to its owner within the coming weeks. 

Click here to see more photos of the Super Sub.