Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit
Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit (LARU) is a type of rebreather designed and developed by Dr. Christian J. Lambertsen for military use during World War II. The LARU was the first scuba diving equipment to allow divers to stay underwater for extended periods of time without surfacing for air, making it a significant advancement in the field of underwater diving.
History[edit | edit source]
The Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit was invented by Dr. Christian J. Lambertsen in the early 1940s. Lambertsen, a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania, initially developed the LARU for his own use in exploring underwater environments. Recognizing its potential for military applications, he presented the device to the United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which later became the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The OSS adopted the LARU for use by its frogmen, who used the device for covert underwater operations during World War II. The LARU allowed these divers to approach enemy ships undetected, as it did not produce bubbles that would reveal their presence.
Design and Function[edit | edit source]
The LARU is a closed-circuit rebreather, meaning it recycles the user's exhaled air. The exhaled air is passed through a canister of soda lime, which removes carbon dioxide. The air is then supplemented with oxygen from a small tank and returned to the diver. This process allows the diver to remain underwater for up to four hours.
The LARU is compact and lightweight, making it easy for divers to maneuver underwater. It is also silent and does not produce bubbles, making it ideal for covert operations.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
The LARU was a significant advancement in the field of underwater diving. It paved the way for the development of modern scuba diving equipment and techniques. Today, rebreathers similar to the LARU are used by recreational divers, underwater archaeologists, and military divers around the world.
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