Human torpedoes or manned torpedoes are a type of diver propulsion vehicle on which the diver rides, generally in a seated position behind a fairing. They were used as secret naval weapons in World War II. The basic concept is still in use.
An Italian maiale type manned torpedo, at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum
Israeli manned torpedo, 1967
Manned torpedo, called Maiale, at the Museo nazionale della scienza e della tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci of Milan.
CGI image of human torpedo: British Mk 1 "chariot" ridden by two frogmen with UBA rebreathers
A diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), also known as an underwater propulsion vehicle, sea scooter, underwater scooter, or swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) by armed forces, is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers to increase range underwater. Range is restricted by the amount of breathing gas that can be carried, the rate at which that breathing gas is consumed, and the battery power of the DPV. Time limits imposed on the diver by decompression requirements may also limit safe range in practice. DPVs have recreational, scientific and military applications.
Recreational diver using a lightweight diver propulsion vehicle
Two U.S. Marines of the Maritime Special Purpose Force operating a Diver Propulsion Device (DPD)
Two divers scootering with heavy duty DPVs
An Italian maiale type manned torpedo, at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.
