SP-350 Denise

SP-350 Denise is a submersible vehicle designed and built by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Jean Mollard at the French Centre for Undersea Research. It was named after Denise, the wife of one of its designers, Jean Mollard. The SP-350 Denise is also known as the "Diving Saucer" due to its discus-like shape, which allows it to maneuver with agility in deep waters.

Design and Features

The SP-350 Denise is a two-person submersible, capable of reaching depths of up to 350 meters. It is equipped with a single propeller and two electric motors, allowing it to move in any direction. The submersible's discus-like shape provides it with excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for exploring complex underwater environments.

The SP-350 Denise is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments, including a sonar for navigation and detection of underwater objects, a magnetometer for measuring magnetic fields, and a spectrometer for analyzing the chemical composition of the water.

Operational History

The SP-350 Denise was first used in 1965 during the Conshelf III experiment, where it successfully reached a depth of 350 meters. Since then, it has been used in numerous scientific and exploratory missions, including the exploration of the Titanic wreck site in 1985.

Legacy

The SP-350 Denise's innovative design and successful operational history have made it a significant contribution to the field of underwater exploration. It has influenced the design of many subsequent submersibles and has paved the way for advancements in deep-sea exploration technology.

See Also

• DSV Alvin
• Bathyscaphe Trieste
• Deepsea Challenger