Our project, the Subplane, tries to combine certain features of a submarine and an airplane. Inspired by the way cormorants fish, we aim to build a plane that can be remotely controlled to fly, land on water, submerge, resurface after a while, and become airborne again. This flying submarine can provide a new standpoint to underwater missions and add another dimension to stealth technology.
Fabricated out of acrylic the Subplane shall be about 1.5m long and have a wingspan of 2.2m. The nose shall house the motor, battery, radio control equipment, etc. These and the other electronic components shall be waterproofed using silicone sealants and resins. The rear partition of the fuselage shall have two tiny submersible pumps to help the ballasting and deballasting operations. A carbon dioxide cartridge shall aid in the deballasting operation. All fluid flow shall be controlled by suitably placed micro solenoid valves.
This 'flying submarine' has numerous potential valuable applications. UAVs when under threat and not equipped with enough ammunition can camouflage under water and become airborne again after the threat passes.
The concept of underwater air-carriers and airbases can be realized to full potential using this technology.
It can provide a new standpoint to underwater missions and add another dimension to stealth technology.