Human Powered Submarine

Engineering design team that builds a human powered submarine to compete in the biennial International Submarine Race.

Three team members wearing SCUBA gear assist the sub under water in a pool.

What is the Human Powered Sub team?

Human Powered Submarine at Virginia Tech (HPS) is an undergraduate engineering design team focused on building a human piloted and pedaled submarine. To accomplish this goal we work in four separate sub-teams: electronics, hydrodynamics, controls, and structures. Work begins with a design year where the major plans and architecture are formed; this is proceeded by a build year where that design is fabricated. Throughout both years, the team facilitates scuba certification so that the design can be finalized and validated during pool and quarry tests. The team's design is put to the test during the International Submarine Races.