SP-350 Denise

History
France
OwnerCousteau Society
Port of registryFrance
Launched1959
Maiden voyage1959
HomeportMarseille, France
IdentificationSP-350
Nickname(s)Denise
StatusDecommissioned
General characteristics
TypeSubmarine
Displacement3.8 tonnes
Length2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
Beam2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
Draught1.5 m (4 ft 11 in)
PropulsionElectric water jet
Speed1 knot
Endurance96 hours (one person)
Test depth1,000 m (3,300 ft)
Complement2
Crew2

The SP-350 Denise, famous as the "Diving saucer" (Soucoupe plongeante), is a small submarine designed to hold two people, and is capable of exploring depths of up to 400 metres (1,300 ft). It was invented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and engineer Jean Mollard at the French Centre for Undersea Research.[1] It was built in the year 1959 and usually operated from Cousteau's ship, the Calypso.

  1. ^ Zronik, John Paul (2007). Jacques Cousteau: Conserving Underwater Worlds. Crabtree Publishing Company. ISBN 9780778724193.