US Special Operations Command has awarded Patriot3 Inc. a $10 million contract for the acquisition of Jet Boots Dive Propulsion Systems through 2027.
The roughly 25-pound (11-kilograms) low noise propulsion system comprises a pair of thrusters attached to a diver’s legs, increasing range and speed reportedly up to four knots.
Jet Boots-equipped divers have reportedly swum a dozen miles on a pack of two batteries each.
Maneuverable Swimming Experience
The thrusters allow drivers hands-free movement underwater and to change direction through head movement during underwater operations such as “reconnaissance, search and rescue, patrol, and hull inspections.”
According to the Virginia-based manufacturer, the system’s fifth-generation thrusters “eliminate the need for dynamic oil filled shaft seals,” and the power cable “attaches to the thruster at a 45 degree angle improving mobility and clearance for gear.”
Hot-Swappable Battery
Moreover, the ”new Thruster Leg Plate provides the operator 6 inches (15 centimeters) of vertical adjustability in its mounted position.”
Jet Boots run on a lithium-ion battery which can be swapped while still on. Other than the thrusters and battery, the system consists of a control box and harness.
The control box regulates speed and power with a power switch, adjustable thrust knob and a LED battery state of charge indicator. The power switch allows the operator to turn the LED light on and off depending upon the task.
The Jetboots DPS (Diver Propulsion System) has been designed specifically for combat diver operations and is compatible with standard issue military dive gear.
For more information, visit https://t.co/rTZuhvy76X!#patriot3 #jetboots #diverpropulsion #combatdiver pic.twitter.com/9QBbHEPKyn
— Patriot3, Inc. (@Patriot3Inc) March 9, 2022
