Flying Underwater UUVs or Small Manned Submarines

Is it possible to build a submarine, which flies? Can we build a small underwater craft with the latest new innovative materials, which is light enough to fly, but strong enough to withstand the pressures of the ocean? Could that be possible? Well one online think tank is considering that very issue and they have come up with a fewer rather intriguing designs for instance; Manta Ray Concept using floating techniques, ground cushion and expandable strategies to become airborne:

worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?showtopic=1700

Here is another concept they considered back in 1999 and further refined the idea in 2004; It using a sort of hydro foil concept to get airborne and accelerate where the hydrofoils become wings thru a morphing trick using material manufactured memory and/or polymer muscle morphing electrode stimulus:

worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?act=Print&client=printer&f=23&t=431

Water Molecule Alignment for Increased Speed; Submarine Efficiency Idea

worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?act=Print&client=printer&f=195&t=261

Some ideas for mimicking nature in building such a craft;

worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?showtopic=316

Do any of these designs hold water? Are they possible or even relevant? Could we make such a craft now with all the current technology and know how that we have? Is it feasible, even remotely possible? Well if we could the craft would be a spectacular feat of engineering marvel with endless applications. So, what say you? Consider this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” – Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/