wholagun
09-21-2007, 10:30 PM
I came across this on popular mechanics.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4223354.html
Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
America's underwater special forces ops might not like it at first, but this dolphin-like device will let them reach targets fast—and without having to catch their breath.
http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/swim-man1-1107.jpg The device is compatible with standard scuba gear, as well as the front-mounted rebreathers (artist sketch, above) used by special operations personnel to avoid telltale bubble trails.
Humans are terrible swimmers, converting roughly 3 percent of their kicks, strokes and general underwater exertions into forward motion. We can boost our efficiency to 10 percent by adding fins, but dolphins, by comparison, can turn 80 percent of their energy into thrust. Not to be outdone, the Pentagon’s research wing, DARPA, is developing a contraption that lets Navy SEALs and other combat divers swim faster, and with less effort.
Instead of kicking, PowerSwim calls for a kind of undulation as its hinged foils pivot up and down. Similar to the way a dolphin or tortoise pumps its fins, this motion generates both lift and thrust. And while artificial fins operate within the swimmer’s own wake (they form a kind of expanding cone, starting at a swimmer’s shoulders), the PowerSwim’s lead foil—or propulsor foil—sweeps through the water just outside that wake.
When used properly, the device allows swimmers to cover a given distance up to 150 percent faster than with fins, while using the same amount of energy. Much of that boost in metabolic efficiency is due to the muscle groups used. As DARPA program manager (http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4223354.html#) Barbara McQuiston explained, the swimmer is essentially relaxing into a slightly bent position, instead of forcing or pushing the foils through the water. This takes the emphasis off the small muscle groups used to kick, and allows larger muscle groups, such as the glutes and quads, to take over. During tests, it typically took around 2 hours for Navy SEALs to fight the urge (and years of training) to move forcefully and learn the PowerSwim’s unique motion.
If the device is widely used, it could be a huge benefit for combat divers, letting SEALs reach coastal targets without becoming over-exhausted (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/worst_case_scenarios/4220161.html). The goal isn’t to increase the total distance that personnel can cover, but to get them there more quickly, and with more energy. Depending on the mission, swimmers might dump the PowerSwim, along with rebreathers and other gear (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/adventures/4201815.html), before setting foot on land.
And unlike many DARPA programs (http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4220413.html), PowerSwim is coming soon—McQuiston says that the device is at the packaging stage, as researchers determine how to possibly fold or other*wise reduce its overall footprint, to allow for more efficient transport. Full production units could be deployed within a year.
How It Works
http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/powerswim-howitworks-1107.jpg
The seesaw movement of the foils creates rolling currents, called shed vortexes, that sweep back and around to push the foil forward. It’s a phenomenon exploited by various aquatic species, such as penguins and dolphins. (Illustration by Gil Ahn)
http://www.popularmechanics.com/images/s.gif
Reader Comments 7. PowerSwim's time has come.
Website: http://staffweb.lib.clemson.edu/rbrink/
I don't think anyone claimed the idea was new, just that they were finally trying to use it in a way to benifit soldiers in the field. Given the amount of gear seals and other special forces people usually have to tote with them, this seems like an excellent way to improve their survivability percentages. This class of soldier needs and deserves any edge they can get.
6. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Website: www.lorimargroup.com (http://www.lorimargroup.com)
SEALs often dive in pairs. How well does this de vice work in side-by-side or tandem diving at night in and around piers, kelp or other plants, rocks, objects, ship's props, shallow water MCM, surf zone, surge around the bottom? The underwater navigation and object location device creates drag and other hydrodynamic flow issues issues. How is this device affected by their use? How well does it work when approaching objects or minelike devices?
5. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Website: www.lorimargroup.com (http://www.lorimargroup.com)
SEALs often dive in pairs. How well does this de vice work in side-by-side or tandem diving at night in and around piers, kelp or other plants, rocks, objects, ship's props, shallow water MCM, surf zone, surge around the bottom? The underwater navigation and object location device creates drag and other hydrodynamic flow issues issues. How is this device affected by their use? How well does it work when approaching objects or minelike devices?
4. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
I remember seeing an article of a similar device back in the seventies. Pop Sci or Pop Mech. I always wondered why it was not introduced commercially. Or why a power version was not built. Given the damage done by props and prop wash I thought it would be a good substitute.
3. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Sounds great.I swam with SCUBA gear,with UDT's and hard hats.I would have liked to try it.
2. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Anything that helps America's finest do their job better is OK by me!!
1. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
This is not new I remember seeing these at the underwater championships in Aldershot UK in the late sixty's
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4223354.html
Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
America's underwater special forces ops might not like it at first, but this dolphin-like device will let them reach targets fast—and without having to catch their breath.
http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/swim-man1-1107.jpg The device is compatible with standard scuba gear, as well as the front-mounted rebreathers (artist sketch, above) used by special operations personnel to avoid telltale bubble trails.
Humans are terrible swimmers, converting roughly 3 percent of their kicks, strokes and general underwater exertions into forward motion. We can boost our efficiency to 10 percent by adding fins, but dolphins, by comparison, can turn 80 percent of their energy into thrust. Not to be outdone, the Pentagon’s research wing, DARPA, is developing a contraption that lets Navy SEALs and other combat divers swim faster, and with less effort.
Instead of kicking, PowerSwim calls for a kind of undulation as its hinged foils pivot up and down. Similar to the way a dolphin or tortoise pumps its fins, this motion generates both lift and thrust. And while artificial fins operate within the swimmer’s own wake (they form a kind of expanding cone, starting at a swimmer’s shoulders), the PowerSwim’s lead foil—or propulsor foil—sweeps through the water just outside that wake.
When used properly, the device allows swimmers to cover a given distance up to 150 percent faster than with fins, while using the same amount of energy. Much of that boost in metabolic efficiency is due to the muscle groups used. As DARPA program manager (http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4223354.html#) Barbara McQuiston explained, the swimmer is essentially relaxing into a slightly bent position, instead of forcing or pushing the foils through the water. This takes the emphasis off the small muscle groups used to kick, and allows larger muscle groups, such as the glutes and quads, to take over. During tests, it typically took around 2 hours for Navy SEALs to fight the urge (and years of training) to move forcefully and learn the PowerSwim’s unique motion.
If the device is widely used, it could be a huge benefit for combat divers, letting SEALs reach coastal targets without becoming over-exhausted (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/worst_case_scenarios/4220161.html). The goal isn’t to increase the total distance that personnel can cover, but to get them there more quickly, and with more energy. Depending on the mission, swimmers might dump the PowerSwim, along with rebreathers and other gear (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/adventures/4201815.html), before setting foot on land.
And unlike many DARPA programs (http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4220413.html), PowerSwim is coming soon—McQuiston says that the device is at the packaging stage, as researchers determine how to possibly fold or other*wise reduce its overall footprint, to allow for more efficient transport. Full production units could be deployed within a year.
How It Works
http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/powerswim-howitworks-1107.jpg
The seesaw movement of the foils creates rolling currents, called shed vortexes, that sweep back and around to push the foil forward. It’s a phenomenon exploited by various aquatic species, such as penguins and dolphins. (Illustration by Gil Ahn)
http://www.popularmechanics.com/images/s.gif
Reader Comments 7. PowerSwim's time has come.
Website: http://staffweb.lib.clemson.edu/rbrink/
I don't think anyone claimed the idea was new, just that they were finally trying to use it in a way to benifit soldiers in the field. Given the amount of gear seals and other special forces people usually have to tote with them, this seems like an excellent way to improve their survivability percentages. This class of soldier needs and deserves any edge they can get.
6. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Website: www.lorimargroup.com (http://www.lorimargroup.com)
SEALs often dive in pairs. How well does this de vice work in side-by-side or tandem diving at night in and around piers, kelp or other plants, rocks, objects, ship's props, shallow water MCM, surf zone, surge around the bottom? The underwater navigation and object location device creates drag and other hydrodynamic flow issues issues. How is this device affected by their use? How well does it work when approaching objects or minelike devices?
5. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Website: www.lorimargroup.com (http://www.lorimargroup.com)
SEALs often dive in pairs. How well does this de vice work in side-by-side or tandem diving at night in and around piers, kelp or other plants, rocks, objects, ship's props, shallow water MCM, surf zone, surge around the bottom? The underwater navigation and object location device creates drag and other hydrodynamic flow issues issues. How is this device affected by their use? How well does it work when approaching objects or minelike devices?
4. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
I remember seeing an article of a similar device back in the seventies. Pop Sci or Pop Mech. I always wondered why it was not introduced commercially. Or why a power version was not built. Given the damage done by props and prop wash I thought it would be a good substitute.
3. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Sounds great.I swam with SCUBA gear,with UDT's and hard hats.I would have liked to try it.
2. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
Anything that helps America's finest do their job better is OK by me!!
1. RE: Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
This is not new I remember seeing these at the underwater championships in Aldershot UK in the late sixty's