On March 26, 2012, LSM Advanced Composites, a manufacturer of composite parts in Australia, had used prepregs on the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, which is a record-breaking submersible. These prepregs are manufactured by Umeco Structural Materials.
Acheron Project, a research and design company, specifically built and designed the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER in Sydney. This submersible was mainly designed to reach the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean, approximately after two hours of descent from the sea surface.
The design and build team enabled LSM to produce the Pilot Sphere’s carbon fibre internal lining. Pilot Sphere is the home of the pilot in the submersible and is completely equipped with electronics and life-support devices. The DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible’s overall length is identical to that of a stretched limousine.
LSM chose the prepregs from Umeco because of firm’s potential to provide specialized prepregs, and also selected FAA-approved and customised civil aircraft interiors prepregs due to their low toxicity, smoke and fire and low heat release features.
Prepreg was provided by Lavender, who helped LSM in design tooling and developing the flat models of the component for use in CNC cutting with in-house three-dimensional laminate software.
James Cameron, an explorer and filmmaker, piloted this impressive craft during his expedition to the Mariana Trench, located in the west part of the Pacific Ocean.
Source: http://html.investis.com/u/umeco/