Dive Xtras
Dive Xtras is a manufacturer of diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) or dive scooters in Mukilteo, Washington.
History
Established in 2003 by Ben McGeever and Andrew Georgitsis, they introduced their first DPV in 2005.[1] This DPV was innovative in that it was the first DPV to utilize a brushless motor and electronic speed control. The combination of these features with NiMh battery technology drastically reduced the weight of DPV’s at the time.[2][3][4]
Models
Sierra Std - The Sierra standard body X-Scooter is the lightest scooter in the Dive Xtras family.
CUDA 400 - NiMh Version of the CUDA Fury 1150 (aka Mini CUDA).
CUDA 550 - The first "CUDA". Slightly shorter than the 650. Used a 550 watt hour battery pack.
CUDA 650 - The CUDA 650 is the front runner of the CUDA models. At 53 lbs, it is a lightweight compared to more traditional lead acid scooters yet packs the performance of a heavyweight.
Cuda 850 - Second production CUDA model. Longer than the 650.
CUDA Fury 1150 - This X-Scooter sets new standards for performance. Only 5 lbs/2 kg heavier than a Sierra, but with the performance of almost two CUDA 650’s.
Piranha - Next Generation of DPVs. Completely modular scooter giving the diver the ability to choose 1, 2, or 3 batteries and easily swap them out at a moment's notice. It has the best power to weight ratio on the DPV market at 25lb-2.5hrs (P1), 34lb-5hrs (P2), & 43lb-7.5hrs (P3).
Accessories
X-Ray Mk 1 - LED Light
On December 15, 2011 Dive Xtras Filed a patent for a "Device for Operating Touch Screen Devices in a Protective Housing." On March 20, 2012 Dive Xtras announced on their website a Depth Rated Underwater Housing for a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Plus. The housing gives the user full operation of the tablet underwater by using a Mouse (computing) like device to interact with Touch screen.
Dive Xtras Military
Dive Xtras DPV’s are used by various military forces around the world to aid in various maritime interdiction tasks.[5] In addition to the units sold into Canada, there are various South East Asian Navies currently using a modified version of the Dive Xtras CUDA. Military products are primarily distributed by Divex Asia Pacific in South East Asia.
Dive Xtras in the Media
- Featured in Mission: Impossible III. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is rescued by Luther (Ving Rhames) when he uses a Sierra X-Scooter to tow himself and gear scuba diving under the Vatican.
- In the Book Pulse, by Jeremy Robinson a Dive Xtras DPV(Sierra CSI) is used.[6]
- Photo’s of Dive Xtras DPV’s often appear in diving publications as they are frequently used during diving activities noteworthy enough to warrant publication.[7][8][9][10]
Claroworks & Google Streetview Underwater
The product development arm of Dive Xtras, Claroworks, designed and built the camera systems used by the Catlin Seaview Survey[11] and Google to recently map the Galápagos Islands.[12][13] The camera system, Seaview SVII, shoots 360-degree images, and is mounted on a modified Cuda 650 vehicle. The Seaview SVII also uses Dive Xtras tablet housing for controls.
References
- ↑ staff (2006). "X-Scooter by Dive Xtras". Advanced Diver Magazine (22): 65–67. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
- ↑ X-Ray Magazine, Global, Issue 26, Girls On Speed
- ↑ Diver Magazine DPV review 2005
- ↑ TahoeBenchmark2008 Page 21, Design Efficiency Results
- ↑ Canadian Forces Lookout Magazine, Feb 1st 2010
- ↑ Pulse, A book by Jeremy Robinson ISBN 0-312-54028-0
- ↑ DYK Magazine, Scandinavia, Issue 11, Monkey Diving. Original
- ↑ X-Ray Magazine, Global, Issue 31, Extreme Exploration Dives, Goto Page 16
- ↑ UnderWater magazine, Volume 18
- ↑ Deeper Blue News, Formula 3 Freediving
- ↑ Technology, Catlin SeaView Survey
- ↑ Googles launch Video
- ↑ Behind the scenes
