CALYPSO represents the fulfilment of a dream for her owner Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French oceanographer whose numerous inventions and underwater techniques have been a significant factor in unravelling the secrets of the sea.
In 1950 Cousteau purchased an 8 year old American built minesweeper and after extensive modifications and alterations, CALYPSO, a fully equipped ocean exploration vessel, emerged.
The 42m, 360 ton vessel has two 600 HP diesel engines and a maximum speed of 12 knots. It is equipped with a variety of special equipment to enable the detailed observations, sample collecting, photography, and experiments which are carried out. This equipment includes a bulbous observation chamber in the bow, a unique, saucer shaped diving bell, a Galezzi diving chamber, an inflatable boat for trips to shallow waters, a helicopter, an numerous underwater devices.
This 1:45 scale model has been developed in accordance with original plans and with the kind cooperation of the Cousteau Society. It is of ABS construction, is suitable for radio control and comes with all required fittings.
