JON B CARNETT/POPULAR SCIENCE
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With its ballooned-out arms and legs, it looks like moon gear for the Michelin Man, but this 1,100-lb. diving suit is strictly for deep-sea adventures. Unlike standard diving equipment, which can't take you much deeper than 1,000 ft., the Atmospheric Diving System by Oceanworks International stabilizes air pressure around the body so that divers working as deep as 2,000 ft. below sea level feel as if they're still on the beach. Powered by twin thrusters mounted on either side of the oxygen tank, the suit lets you steer in any direction, using built-in foot pedals. But the suits are so heavy that divers have to be lowered in a metal cage before they can step out and look around. The U.S. Navy, which plans to use the suit for submarine rescue and salvage missions, bought the first four units. Eventually, the Michelin Man look may also be available for scientific researchers and deep-sea explorers.
Availability: Now, for $2.7 million
To Learn More: Call 604-986-5600
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