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.
