S103

The MSubs-designed S103 "Lula" was commissioned by, and is still operated by, a Portuguese science foundation, FRN , bases in the Azores. Work started on the design in January 1997 and the submarine appeared at the 1998 World EXPO in Lisbon.

The hull is made from 20mm high grade pressure vessel steel with internal T section frames. The generous size provides comfortable seating for a crew of three with ample space for science equipment. The bow features a spectacular full diameter 150° spherical sector window.

The pilot and observer sit side by side in the bow on top of the 220 litre variable ballast tank and the co-pilot makes use of the 150° acrylic hatch dome. Abaft the tower is a large battery section to provide power for extended operations, and in the tail is the propulsion machinery. Unusually, Lula is fitted with a diesel engine designed to run on pure vegetable oil. The cycle of producing and burning vegetable oil adds no greenhouse gas to the atmosphere, because the next crop of vegetables absorbs it again, and is sustainable into the far future.

The main electric motor is driven as a generator by the diesel while on the surface to recharge the battery and a high pressure air compressor is clutched in to recharge the air bank. 

Lula is fitted with four hydraulic manoeuvring thrusters, a 5 function manipulator, which stows inside the crash bars, underwater lights and camera equipment.