Full Ocean Depth Submersible

LIMITING FACTOR

The Limiting Factor is a two-man vessel that is capable of diving to full ocean depth. It is the world’s first and only manned-submersible that will be certified for dives to 11,000 m / 36,000 ft.

Dive Depth

11,000 M

36,000 ft

Pressure Test

14,000 M

45,931 ft

Crew Compartment Hull Thickness

90 mm / 3.54 in

Titanium Alloy

Triton 36000/2

Full Ocean Depth

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Partners & Supporters

In-air Weight

12,500 kg

27,558 lbs

Capacity

2 PERSONS

Pilot + 1

Endurance

16 Hours

+ 96hrs Emergency Life Support

Dive Depth

11,000 M

36,000 ft

In-air Weight

12,500 kg

27,558 lbs

Pressure Test

14,000 M

45,931 ft

Capacity

2 PERSONS

Pilot + 1

Crew Compartment Hull Thickness

90 mm / 3.54 in

Titanium Alloy

Endurance

96 Hours

+ 106hrs Emergency Life Support

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge posed to the deep-diving experts at Triton Submarines was to develop a vehicle that would enable repeatable journeys to the ocean’s deepest point. Neither of the two previous submersibles to reach full ocean depth made the journey more than once.

Unlike a typical Triton submersible where the predominant trajectory is forward, the Limiting Factor’s movements are primarily descent and ascent. As such, its configuration has been optimised for travel vertically through the water-column.

Despite the departure from their iconic horizontally-efficient sphere-and-pontoon arrangement, Triton’s design team were keen to adhere to the design values that have made Triton the most popular choice between scientists, researchers, explorers and filmmakers.

THE DETAILS

KEY FEATURES

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Titanium Pressure Hull
The defining feature of Limiting Factor is the 90mm thick pressure hull. Having been machined to within 99.933% of true spherical form, it is testament to the precision engineering required to develop a certified, resuable, full ocean depth submersible.
Limiting Factor - Full Ocean Depth Submersible - Interior Shot
Limiting Factor - Full Ocean Depth Submersible - Interior Shot

THE DESIGN

Pilot situational awareness, fundamental to Triton’s design philosophy, has been maximised. All systems external to the pressure hull are mounted to the sides and top of the hull, affording the pilot unobstructed downward and forward sight-lines through three acrylic viewports. External fixtures are mounted outside of the pilot’s eye-line while high-output LEDs offer great illumination at depth. The view is augmented by an array of FOD-capable, low-light cameras.

The interior of the Limiting Factor is a study in comfort, utility and ergonomics. Pilot controls are quickly identifiable and easy to operate. Leather padded seats with multiple seating ensure comfortable 8-12 hour dives in an interior that is both temperature and humidity controlled.

Designed specifically for lengthy expeditions in remote areas, the Limiting Factor’s essential systems are designed with simplicity and reliability foremost of mind. Maintenance can be carried out at sea using standard tooling, while repairs can be carried out by skilled ships’ crew, if required.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Capacity 2 passengers
Duration 16 hrs +
Dry Weight 25700 lbs / 11.7 tonnes
Depth 11,000 meters / 36,000 ft
Payload 220kg +
Speed (submerged) 1-2kn Vertical, 2-3kn Lateral
Surface Ballast 2150 liters total
Variable Ballast Upto 500kg dive weight + 100kg variable
Length 4600 mm / 15 feet
Width 1900mm / 9.2 feet
Height 3700mm / 12.2 feet
Pressure Hull ID 1500mm / 59 inches
Hatch Inner Diameter 450mm / 17.7 inches
24V Supply Dual Supply + Emergency
Main Battery 65 kWh
External Lights 10 x 20000 lumen LED
Life Support Oxygen + CO2 scrubber
Emergency Life Support 96 hrs
Viewports 3 x ultra-wide angle
Emergency Release Systems Batteries, Thrusters, Manipulator
Cameras 4 x Wide-angle situational awareness cameras
4 x high-definition mission-recording cameras

Safety

Common to the entirety of Triton’s fleet is third-party attestation to the integrity of the design and build by a recognised international Classification Society. For Triton, the Limiting Factor could be no exception and although the process is expensive, arduous and time-consuming, it is the best guarantee that a submersible has been developed thoughtfully, carefully and with engineering rigour.

Commercial certification also provides the gold standard for vessel safety. It allows the sub to be insured by standard maritime agents and should give peace of mind to any sub passengers that they will be as safe in their dives as on any other commercially-rated vessel.

On completion of the fifth and final deep dive, DNV-GL will certify the Limiting Factor for repeatable dives to full ocean depth.

The Limiting Factor features multiple, fully redundant methods of returning to the surface. The primary methods do not require any electrical power, while others do. This provides for emergency ascent conditions in every possible submarine power state. It should be noted that the sub has twelve separate batteries and in the case of no electrical power availability, the main ballast weights are designed to release for immediate emergency ascent.

Triton Submarines LLC
MORE DETAILS ON TRITONSUBS.COM