Posted by Teresa on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Skydiver-Sky-1-launch-tp1491779p1491828.html

Here's my take on Sky 1 which helps me to accept the concept with the
least amount of suspension of disbelief:

Sky 1 is of a lighter weight construction than the Diver 1 portion
of the sub. However, fuel tanks are kept full while in the water
(supplied from Diver 1) and the remainder of the fuselage is
pressurized to match the surrounding water pressure at all times. When
it is ready to launch, Skydiver hovers at shallow depth (less than
10m) just below the surface. The pressure difference between Sky 1 and
the main sub is small enough at this point that the pilot can equalize
while in the chute. As Sky 1 launches, the pressure is reduced in the
cockpit slowly as to not affect the pilot any more than a normal climb
to altitude.

To reconnect, Sky 1 ditches in the ocean and waits at or just below
the surface for Diver 1 to approach from behind. The liftoff thrusters
perhaps can be redirected (harrier style?) to provide reverse thrust
allowing Sky 1 to re-dock independently.

Sorry it's just the nerd engineer in me. :-)

ttfn,
Teresa