We’re often asked how we can assure that our submarines can handle the enormous pressures at depth. For example; at a depth of 300 meters, every cm2 of the pressure hull is exposed to a force of +/- 30 kg. This means the entire surface of the pressure hull can easily resist a total force of almost 3,900 tons.
After a meticulous design and engineering process, and subsequent verification that we indeed use the best materials as ordered we will assemble the submersible’s main pressure vessel. To guarantee that the end result is as strong as calculated we put it through a hydro static pressure test in one of the world’s largest pressure test facilities in Scotland. During the pressure test we not only go to the maximum operating depth of the submarine, we take it beyond the limits!

We actually put all the individual pressure resistant components up to the ultimate test as a final verification of the design and the material quality. Alongside the main pressure hull of the submersible, we also load up the battery compartments, air- and oxygen cylinders, and electronic bottles.

Recently we tested the Super Yacht Sub 3 pressure hull. To illustrate this process the image below shows the pressure chamber in which we exposed the Super Yacht Sub 3 to its test pressure and simulated several dives. To verify that it’s structurally safe and can become part of a real U-Boat Worx submersible, the pressure hull is thoroughly inspected by DNV-GL, specialist surveyors and U-Boat Worx engineers after the test.

This test is one of many we perform for each individual submersible that we proudly build in the Netherlands. For more information about our company, click here.