THE CHALLENGE
THE DRIVE
In order to protect our oceans, we must first understand them. We cannot begin to understand our oceans through observation of the relative shallows alone.
The key to understanding their global impact lies in the gathering, interrogation and interpretation of quality, scientific data.
PREVIOUS DIVES
Only two manned submersibles have previously dived to Challenger Deep – the deepest point on earth. Both vessels have since been retired having performed a single full ocean depth dive each.
The challenge presented to Triton was to build a craft that would match these fore-bearers for depth, but be able to repeat the dive hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
UTILITY
Such a vessel must serve a meaningful purpose; to exist not simply to set records, but to further human understanding through serious scientific research and to inspire a passion for our oceans.
Previous vessels were designed with passenger comfort as a secondary consideration to the engineering which made it possible. Such a Triton must be comfortable on long missions, offer economic operation and carry multiple passengers to share the experience, and workload.
CERTIFICATION
As one of our founding principles – and a feature of every Triton we have ever built – we would not compromise on having our design and build scrutinised by a third-party Classification Society. No other full ocean depth submersible has ever been certified.
The challenge to create the ultimate, reusable, full ocean depth, certified, meaningful science platform is one only Triton Submarines could achieve.
ENGINEERED TO THE EXTREME
The TRITON 36000/2 is an engineering tour de force. It is designed for absolute reliability and dependability in the world’s most extreme environment.
DIVE DEPTH
11,000 M 36,000 ft
PRESSURE TEST
14,000 M 45,931 ft
CREW COMPARTMENT HULL THICKNESS
90 mm / 3.54 in Titanium Alloy
IN-AIR WEIGHT
12,500 kg 27,558 lbs
CAPACITY
2 PERSONS Pilot + 1
ENDURANCE
16 Hours + 96hrs Emergency Life Support
FEATURES
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TITANIUM PRESSURE HULL
The defining feature of the Limiting Factor is the 90mm thick pressure hull. Having been machined to within 99.933% of true spherical form, it is testament to the precision engineering required to develop a certified, reusable, full ocean depth submersible. -
ALL-DAY DIVESThe Limiting Factor has been designed for practical, professional applications. Dives of more than 16 hours are made possible by the the large 65kWh battery, hydrodynamically-efficient design, comfortable interior and life support provisions. For scientists, filmmakers and explorers, it maximises the time available to carry out multiple tasks, per dive, and at full ocean depth.
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COMPLETE SITUATIONAL AWARENESSA hallmark of every Triton is the unparalleled view afforded to the pilot and passengers. Three optically-perfect viewports provide occupants an uncompromised downward and forward view through the titanium pressure hull. Low-light cameras surround the Limiting Factor, augmenting the eyes-on view for complete situational awareness in the darkness of the Hadal Zone. Multiple high-definition (4K) digital cameras are currently being tested and will be added during late 2018 to support the expedition's film partners.
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A PLATFORM FOR PROFESSIONALSAs a platform for filmmakers, scientists and explorers, the Limiting Factor offers virtually limitless possibilities. The LF was designed to perform a variety of mission types. It is scheduled to be equipped with 4K cameras (late 2018), a high-performance lighting rig, an array of scientific sampling equipment and a highly dextrous multi-axis manipulator arm. And with no part of the ocean off-limits, its capabilities are simply unmatched.
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SIMPLICITY OF OPERATIONThe Limiting Factor has been designed for simplicity. The design of the onboard systems, the layout of the pilot controls, the handling arrangements on the surface and, of course, pilotting the vehicle, have all been refined to minimise complexity.
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SELF-RESCUING
The TRITON 36000/2 is designed to return to the surface no matter the scenario. This meant designing and engineering multiple, fully-redundant systems that can be relied upon absolutely. This dedication to minute detail, to absolute quality, and to test after test after test, is why Triton, with the support of its exclusive partners, is the only manufacturer capable of producing such an extremely capable submersible.
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ABSOLUTE QUALITY CONTROL
The absolute performance of every component, quality controlled beyond anything before it, made the TRITON 36000/2 possible. For many components, just a single supplier had been able to demonstrate their capability of producing parts to the quality and tolerances required.
The TRITON 36000/2 is truly built of the best, by the best.
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PRECISION MANUFACTURING
The TRITON 36000/2 has been manufactured to tolerances no other submersible can match. In many cases we needed to re-think our technologies and invent completely new manufacturing processes.The Titanium pressure hull, for example, is machined to within 99.933% perfect circularity – the most precise titanium sphere ever developed.
