Viridis A
Quieter running and longer endurance. For longer missions and greater depth.
- Max depth
- 10 m
- Propulsion
- Flywheel V2
- Length
- ~250 mm
- Purpose
- Longer missions
Viridis
Build your own submarine.
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01why Viridis
Why Viridis
A submarine anyone with a printer and some patience can build.
Open source
Models, schematics and firmware are free to download. No sign-up, no licence fee.
3D printed
Hull and internals come off an ordinary printer. PETG, 20 % infill.
Custom propulsion
Thrusters built into the hull instead of external propellers. Nothing sticks out.
Pressure tested
Watertightness verified in a pressure chamber, movement in the TechTower tank.
Cheap to build
Parts cost a fraction of a finished ROV. Nothing special to source.
Documented step by step
Documentation at three levels of detail — from principle to build.
02variants
Two variants, one structure
The hull and electronics are shared. The propulsion differs — and with it what each variant is good for.
Viridis B
Faster response and better manoeuvring on the spot.
- Max depth
- 10 m
- Propulsion
- 4× thruster
- Length
- ~250 mm
- Purpose
- Speed and agility
03how it works
How the submarine is controlled
The four principles the whole movement rests on. No external propeller.
- 01/ SCHÉMABALLAST SYSTEM
Diving
The ballast tank fills with water. Density rises and the submarine starts to sink to target depth.
PRINCIPLEDensity increase - 02/ SCHÉMAJET PROPULSION
Moving forward
Thrusters push water backwards. The reaction moves the submarine forward — with no external propeller.
PROPULSIONPropellerless jet - 03/ SCHÉMATHRUST VECTOR
Turning
The left and right thruster push with different force, smoothly turning the hull.
STEERINGDifferential thrust - 04/ SCHÉMABALLAST PUMP
Surfacing
The high-pressure pump empties the tank. The submarine gets lighter and rises to the surface.
PRINCIPLEDensity decrease
04specifications
Technical specifications
Parameters of both variants. Highlighted values differ between them.
| Parameter | Viridis A | Viridis B |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~250 mm | ~250 mm |
| Weight· | ~5 kg | ~4 kg |
| Material | PETG | PETG |
| Print time· | ~20 h | ~22 h |
| Max depth | 10 m | 10 m |
| Propulsion· | Flywheel V2 | ROV 4× thrusters |
| Thruster flow· | 240 l/h | 120 l/h |
| Battery | PB 12 V 0,8 Ah GETI | PB 12 V 0,8 Ah GETI |
| Electronics | Arduino Nano | Arduino Nano |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
05project timeline
How the project went
From the first sketches to a submarine that dives and surfaces.
- Idea and researchAnalysis of ROV principles, first sketches and design concepts.
- CAD designFusion 360 — hull, ballast system, propulsion and electronics bay.
- 3D printingPrinting all components, testing different materials.
- Electronics and firmwareArduino Nano, motor drivers, IMU sensors and computer link.
- AssemblyPutting the submarine together — mechanical and electronic integration.
- Pressure testsWatertightness testing in a pressure chamber.
- Water testsFirst dive in the TechTower tank.
- Public releaseplannedDocumentation, CAD files and firmware on GitHub.
06in action
First dive
Footage from testing in the water tank.
First dive
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07comparison
How Viridis differs
Compared with a commercially sold ROV of a similar size.
| Parameter | Typical ROV | Viridis |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 – $4,000 | ~$200 |
| Licence | Proprietary | Open source |
| Manufacturing | Factory | 3D printing |
| Parts | Special, expensive | Off the shelf |
| Propulsion | External propellers | Built-in thrusters |
| Built by | Companies | Students |
| Source code | Unavailable | On GitHub |
| Documentation | Limited | Complete and open |
08gallery
Renders and structure
Cross-sections and details showing how the submarine fits together.
Competitions
Photos after the first race
09open source
Build your own
Models, schematics and firmware are freely available. This is the whole process.
- Download the CAD filesModels are on GitHub in STEP and STL, free.
- Print the partsPETG, 20 % infill. Printing takes roughly 20 hours.
- Buy the electronicsArduino Nano, motor drivers, battery — all off the shelf.
- Assemble the submarineFollow the documentation, step by step with pictures.
- Flash the firmwareVia Arduino IDE; the source is in the repository.
- Dive inStart in a pool, only then move to open water.
10news
What is new
Build progress, tests and competitions.
11support
Who supports the project
Without these organisations Viridis would have stayed on paper.
