Looking like something out of Star Wars, a pedal-powered submarine capable of diving up to 30 metres has been developed by a Russian company called Marine Innovative Technologies Ltd (MIT). The craft can be powered by two people with no specialist training and moves at about walking pace.

According to the company, the pedallers sit side by side in the small craft, made predominately from special acrylic glass. Apart from two sets of pedals, controls are limited to a steering wheel and a few buttons to make operating the submarine as simple as possible.

At 11ft long and 6ft 6in wide it is possible to transport the craft on the back of a car trailer. MIT will also offer a model with a low-power electric drive unit as well.

MIT, based in St Petersburg, says the vehicle boasts a high degree of manoeuvrability and can go forwards, backwards, up and down, hover and rotate about its vertical axis. It even features a safety automatic system to release ballast for surfacing in an emergency.

The sub is expected to cost £50,000 pounds although prices could drop to around £15,000 for bulk buyers.

MIT expect to sell to private buyers as well as companies hiring out the subs to tourists in popular resorts.

Source: telegraph.co.uk