Chinese Farmer Builds Homemade Submersible for $700
A 60-year-old farmer in China has achieved a remarkable feat of engineering, constructing a functional submersible capable of diving to depths of eight meters (approximately 26 feet) with a budget of just $700. The story, originating in the Anhui province, highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of individuals even without formal training.
Zhang Shengwu, a former carpenter with experience in the shipbuilding industry, embarked on the project in 2014 after being inspired by a television program showcasing submarine construction. “He has seen metal and wooden boats all his life, but never one that could go underwater,” according to reports from state media outlet Dawan News.
Despite initial skepticism from his wife, who deemed the idea “expensive, risky and useless,” Zhang began gathering materials, initially spending 5,000 yuan (approximately $700) on steel plates, motors, and other necessary components. The submersible, measuring seven meters in length and weighing five tons, is designed to accommodate two people.
Zhang’s first iteration, launched in 2016, experienced leaks, prompting further refinement of his design. “It was like a dream. I was afraid it would leak water, and at the same time, I hoped to go deeper,” Zhang said, describing the initial test.
After years of function and an additional investment of 40,000 yuan (around $6,000), Zhang completed the “Considerable Black Fish,” incorporating two tons of concrete ballast and two ballast tanks. Even as significantly less sophisticated than China’s advanced nuclear submarines, which can remain submerged for months, Zhang’s creation relies on a tiny battery and electric motor, achieving a speed of four knots and a maximum underwater duration of 30 minutes.
This development underscores the potential for innovation outside of traditional research and development settings. Zhang has expressed intentions to build an even larger submersible in the future. Similar ingenuity was previously demonstrated in 2015 when a farmer in Shaanxi province also attempted to build a submarine, though reportedly incurring debt in the process.
The farmer’s accomplishment has garnered international attention, demonstrating a remarkable level of self-reliance and engineering skill.
