The Marion Hyper-Sub is designed for
Breaking Barriers
"Where a new invention promises to be useful, it ought to be tried" -- Thomas Jefferson
(Source: http://thinkexist.com)
The subsea technology industry is built on a population of individual inventors that envision and deliver innovative products and systems to make subsea exploration and operations more safe, cost-effective and efficient. Reynolds Marion is one such man. Marion, the CEO of Marion Hyper-Submersible Powerboat Design, is refining and testing his proof-ofconcept Hyper-Sub, a vehicle he first envisioned as an 11year-old -- 32 years ago growing up in Dinwiddie County, Va. If the vehicle delivers on the vision as it appears to be it could present a breakthrough in capability for the military and offshore oil and gas industries. "We envision this as the underwater workhorse for special warfare command, as well as a safer and more cost-
effective tool for the offshore industry," Marion said. Hyper-Sub is purpose configurable, meaning that it can be modified and outfitted to meet most any need. The target parameters of the production boat will be a dive range of 1,200 ft. (with an optional pressure hull); a 40knot top speed in calm seas; and a 10-hour duration dive with 48-hours minimum life support safety envelope. While Marion was hard pressed to divulge a price tag for the base system, his current estimates put the vehicle in the $5m range. While this may provide some degree of sticker shock, he reasons that the revolutionary capabilities of the system -- such as conducting offshore O&G pipe inspections without the need to deploy a vessel or crew to support ROV operations, as well as the relatively
Hyper-Sub, a vehicle first envisioned by Reynolds Marion as an 11-year-old -- 32 years ago -- growing up in Dinwiddie County, Va.
www.seadiscovery.com
Marine Technology Reporter 25
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