CudaJet underwater jetpack: enhanced 2025 version

Compared to other underwater jets that have to be held, CudaJet is backpack-style, which allows for a lot more freedom and maneuverability

The prototype of the device was developed by British underwater enthusiast Archie O'Brien about seven years ago. His goal was to create a system that was lighter and faster than all existing products. The first commercial version of his brainchild was launched by CudaJet company in 2023. Now it has unveiled an updated version with a new design and a number of technical enhancements. 

The system consists of a pack of two jet drives fixed to a padded harness. This “backpack” can deliver up to 40 kg of thrust and enables the wearer to reach a speed of up to 3 metres per second. The maximum depth that can be reached is 40 metres. 

The speed and the level of battery charge are controlled with the help of a remote hand-held trigger. 

In the 2023 version, the CudaJet could spend up to 40 minutes under the water provided it was charged every 75 minutes. By 2025, the lithium-ion battery has been optimised, so the runtime has gone up to 90 minutes. 

The new design has a lower weight, too: the drive pack weighs 13.2 kg, while the neoprene harness adds 1.5-1.7 kg depending on the size (there are four options available). 

The British manufacturer underscores the fact that each device is custom-built to order. The price for the 2025 version has gone up to £22 500 (about 30 thousand US dollars), but the set now includes a hard case, a fast charger and a two-year warranty as standard.