CudaJet: The Underwater Jetpack
The CudaJet is a true underwater jetpack—worn like a backpack, allowing divers to glide hands-free beneath the surface. Instead of holding onto bulky sea scooters or kicking with fins, your body becomes the controller. Steering is accomplished through subtle shifts in posture, making the experience feel more akin to underwater flight than traditional diving.
Its sleek hydrodynamic shell, carbon fiber harness, and compact propulsion system generate up to 40 kilograms of thrust, propelling users to speeds of around 3 meters per second. It’s fast, quiet, and fluid—designed to feel more like a creature of the sea than a machine.
Experience & Context
Initially developed for professional divers and rescue teams, the CudaJet is now making waves in the luxury adventure scene. Resorts in the Maldives and other high-end destinations offer it as an exclusive experience, allowing guests to explore reefs and open water with an unprecedented sense of freedom.
Users describe it as “weightless flying,” with effortless control and a sensation of immersion that blurs the line between human and marine life. Its portability also makes it attractive for expedition teams, filmmakers, and marine scientists.
Why It Matters
CudaJet isn’t just a cool gadget—it represents a leap forward in how we interact with the natural world. It blends bio-inspired motion with cutting-edge design, offering a new way to experience underwater environments while minimizing its impact. For designers, technologists, and adventurers alike, the CudaJet prompts questions about future mobility, human-machine interaction, and the ethics of exploration in fragile ecosystems. It’s a bold new chapter in the story of underwater design.
Pros
Hands-free operation with body-directed movement
Precision throttle control for smooth acceleration
Rechargeable and eco-conscious—no fuel required
Durable, sleek, and highly engineered for both comfort and performance
Considerations
Premium price (~$18,000–$30,000 depending on customization)
Requires breath-hold diving; not compatible with scuba systems
Fitness, confidence, and dive safety knowledge are prerequisites
Not suited for shallow or obstacle-heavy water without training
Technical Specs (2025 Model)
Weight (on land): Approximately 13.2 kg for the jetpack unit
Max depth: 40 m (factory-limited to 3 m for safety)
Runtime: Up to 40 minutes per charge
Recharge time: Approximately 75 minutes
Controls: Wired throttle with color display and ultra-fine adjustment
Harness sizing: Fits chest sizes from 81–152 cm
Cautions
Not a Life-Saving Device: It is a performance-enhancing tool, not a rescue system. It does not replace dive training or flotation gear.
Breath-Hold Use Only: The CudaJet is not compatible with traditional scuba diving (due to air pressure differentials at depth and free ascent risks). It’s designed for snorkeling and free diving only.
Battery Handling: Like with any high-output lithium battery, improper charging, exposure to saltwater, or physical damage could present risks. Users are advised to follow strict charging and storage protocols.
Physical Fitness Required: Operating a high-speed underwater propulsion system requires strong swimming skills, core control, and situational awareness.
Hair and Loose Gear: Long hair must be tied up, and no loose straps or accessories should be worn, as they could get caught in the thrusters.
Environmental Awareness: With speeds of up to 3 m/s, it's easy to collide with reefs, other divers, or wildlife if you’re not highly alert and respectful of your surroundings.
Images: Cudajet
