A UK-based tech startup, CudaJet, has taken underwater mobility to a thrilling new level by unveiling what it claims is the world’s first fully functional underwater jetpack. Designed to give divers the agility of a dolphin and the thrill of flight beneath the waves, the jetpack marks a groundbreaking innovation in personal aquatic propulsion.
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 feet per second (approximately 11 km/h), the CudaJet underwater jetpack allows for self-powered exploration lasting up to 90 minutes on a single charge — all while keeping the diver’s hands free.
“We’ve combined cutting-edge propulsion technology with sleek, hydrodynamic design to offer an experience that’s equal parts practical and exhilarating,” said Tom Simmons, CEO of CudaJet.
- Speed: Up to 10 ft/sec (~11 km/h)
- Dive Time: ~90 minutes on a full charge
- Controls: Intuitive arm-mounted joystick system
- Design: Lightweight, neutrally buoyant, and adaptable to existing scuba gear
- Use cases: Marine exploration, rescue operations, underwater tourism, and military applications
The jetpack straps securely to the diver’s back, using dual thrusters powered by high-efficiency electric motors. Steering and acceleration are managed through a simple hand control system, allowing users to dive, glide, and maneuver with unprecedented ease.
Early tests and demo dives conducted off the coast of Cornwall have impressed marine biologists, adventure athletes, and defense contractors alike. CudaJet is also working with tourism operators in the Maldives and Red Sea to bring the device to recreational divers later this year.
“This is Iron Man meets Aquaman,” said underwater filmmaker Sophie Trent, one of the first to test the device. “It feels like flying under the ocean.”
As underwater exploration gains popularity, CudaJet’s innovation may redefine both how we experience the deep and how we respond to emergencies below the surface — with speed, control, and a sense of freedom never seen before.
