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In a message dated 98-05-04 19:29:32 EDT, you write:

>  As far as I know, all DPV are electric, or are there any air driven?
>  >  
>  Funny, I was thinking about exactly the same thing while
>  scootering this weekend - compressed air has a great
>  historical track record for driving torpedos fairly long
>  distances, *FAST*, so naturally, I got to wondering
>  if this had been explored for scootering (aside from
>  that idiotic back-mounted thing I saw a DEMA).
>  
Torpedos use a chemical gas generator like an air 
bag, not normal compressed air nowdays.
There are several air operated DPV units available.
The turbine type we developed is very fast but uses
about 6 to 8 cu/ft/min, not suitable for sport use.
The Hydrojet is a civilian model sold to the public.
These are a rotary style with 5 small pistons.
We have been using these for several years until the
unit went out of production. They will be available soon
from a new supplier. The original  was a back style
that mounted to the divers tank. Thrust was low, only
about 12 to 15 pounds, enough for sport use, but well 
below the Tekna and Dacor electric models. These can
be easily modified to provide up to 35 pounds thrust
but it consumes quite a bit more air. The air exhausted
from the unit is fed back though the 2nd stage regulator
and breathed by the diver. Weight is only 5 pounds
making it very easy to travel with, and a hand held model
using an additional rental cylinder will be available. We 
have been testing them for several months. With any 
scooter your air consumption drops to about 1/2. With
the air scooters (set for high thrust) you consume the 
same amount of air as if you had to swim the same 
distance, but it is much faster and easier of course.
They are a little noisier than the electric models, 
but they are easy to transport, and rent tanks are
cheap and available everywhere. For more information
contact: Universal Scuba Dist. (281) 493-0344

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