A 60-year-old farmer, Zhang Shengwu, has captured global attention by building a homemade submarine in Anhui province, China. With an investment of approximately 5,000 yuan (US$700), this innovative submersible can dive up to eight meters deep, standing out for its ingenious design and efficient use of limited resources. The idea emerged in 2014, inspired by a television program.
Zhang, who has no engineering training, began gathering materials such as steel plates, batteries, and a motor, allowing him to create an original prototype that is six meters long. Despite facing challenges like water leaks, his perseverance enabled him to refine the design, resulting in a version that now weighs five tons and can carry two crew members.
The submarine, named Black Big Fish, includes significant improvements in welding and a buoyancy system that uses ballast tanks. This ensures safe navigation and precise handling during dives. Although his invention has been praised on social media, experts warn about the risks of operating homemade submarines without official certifications. Despite this, Zhang aims to build a larger version of his creation, stating that “only by trying to make your ideas a reality do you discover what you are capable of.”
