Human-Powered Submarine Races

The U.S. Navy's David Taylor Model Basin once again is the location for the 10th International Human-Powered Submarine Races (ISR), which is a biennial engineering design competition, June 22-26 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division.

"Carderock Division is proud to host the 2009 International Submarine Races once again at our David Taylor Model Basin facility," said Carderock Division Commander Capt. Mark Thomas. "We are excited to be a part of such an outstanding and rewarding educational and engineering endeavor, particularly since it promotes the type of science and technology that is central to Carderock's mission."

The races are a challenge that began in 1989 and have grown to an event with participation of universities, high schools, corporations and privately sponsored teams from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and United Kingdom. Typical teams consist of high school and college engineering students who design, build and operate a human-powered submarine.  The teams will propel and steer their uniquely designed sub by maneuvering through an underwater course to best their competitor’s time. The competition focuses on the educational aspects of submarine team efforts, on use of materials, hydrodynamic efficiency and underwater life support.

The event offers will feature video and still photo opportunities, interviews, and a chance to see the best and brightest young engineers piloting their own creative designs. This is not a sport but an outstanding educational design competition. High-definition underwater video feeds will also be available for broadcast media outlets. 

As Carderock is an active military installation, standard DOD clearance procedures must be followed to obtain access to the base. The races are closed to the public but open for media coverage by appointment.

(www.isrsubrace.org)