"Designer boasts 'superhuman' sensations from underwater jetpack, priced at $30,000"
The Hong Kong-based developers of the XiaoTun underwater jetpack, a compact, hand-held device designed to let a single user propel themselves through the water faster and with less effort than swimming, are seeking investment on Kickstarter to make it commercially available.
Priced at approximately $29,000, the CudaJet was designed by 28-year-old British entrepreneur Archie O’Brien. This underwater jetpack produces a powerful forward jet, allowing divers or swimmers to glide at speeds significantly above normal swimming speed while remaining compact and wearable. Reported top speeds are on the order of several feet per second.
Key features of the CudaJet include a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver form factor, high thrust jet propulsion for speeds up to about 10 feet per second (≈6.8 mph), electric motor and battery power for cordless operation, and a consumer/prosumer styling for recreational use.
Performance-wise, the CudaJet is meant to let a user reach and hold speeds "faster than any swimmer," implying significantly reduced effort compared with swimming at similar speeds. The exact runtime and endurance depend on battery capacity and throttle use, with one related seascooter listing noting runtimes around 90 minutes for a professional model.
Safety considerations for the CudaJet include maintaining proper body position to avoid losing control, maintaining situational awareness and safe distances to reduce collision risk, verifying rated maximum depth for any CudaJet model before diving deeper, ensuring seals, O-rings, and battery compartments are serviceable and pressure-rated, following manufacturer maintenance and charging instructions to avoid leakage or short circuits, checking local rules and whether the device is certified for intended use, and ensuring users are competent swimmers and practice controlling the unit in open water before using at high speed or in groups.
While the CudaJet may seem like a high-end toy for adrenaline junkies with deep pockets, its practical uses beyond recreation are limited, according to Dom Robinson, a diver who runs the YouTube channel Deep Wreck Diver. Units of the CudaJet are made to order with a lead time of about three months, and almost 100 units have been sold since its launch in early 2023.
If you’re considering purchase or operational use, it is recommended to request the CudaJet manufacturer’s official spec sheet/manual for rated depth, maximum continuous thrust, battery type and capacity, run time at cruise and max speed, maintenance/inspection schedule, and safety/operational procedures. The available online references do not supply those authoritative details.
For more information, you can search for the manufacturer’s official spec sheet, user manual, or third-party reviews/tests. Let us know whether you want a shopping/technical spec search or safety/regulatory guidance, and we’ll search for authoritative sources.
The CudaJet, priced at approximately $29,000, is another underwater gadget that utilized technology for high-speed propulsion, joining the XiaoTun underwater jetpack in this category. Potential buyers should consult the manufacturer's official spec sheet or manual for detailed information on the CudaJet's features and safety procedures before making a purchase.
