Underwater jet packs to be a reality by 2016

Entrepreneurs from the UK claim they’ve created an underwater jetpack that could allow swimmers to reach speeds of almost 10km/h.

The x2 Sport is still just a prototype but a IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign started by the team at SCP Marine Innovation has already raised $12,000  in just one month.

The three-person team of innovators from Portsmouth, England, have released a short clip showing a swimmer jetting around the bottom of a pool using jet packs strapped to his wrists.

“Underwater jet packs are go!” a voice can be heard shouting in the x2 Sport campaign video, playing on the Thunderbirds motto.

“Unleash your inner superhero.”

The jetpack, which has a maximum speed of 9.6km/h, will be powered by a battery pack worn like a backpack and allow swimmers to explore further distances underwater with one breath.

“Guiding yourself through the water is a breeze; all you have to do is point your arms where you want to go,” the team wrote on the Indiegogo page.

“The analogue trigger gives you total control over how fast you go, so you can cruise along at a relaxed pace or hammer it at a top speeds in excess of 6mph (9.6km/h)!”

The jet pack is still in its prototype stage so those keen to speed around the ocean floor will have to wait a year to order one, but various x2 Sport merchandise is available for those who pledge money to the campaign.