| Apollo manufactured the original AV-1 underwater vehicle for over 20 years. It has been recognized as one of the most reliable diver propulsion vehicles in the world. We are very proud to introduce the next generation in Underwater Propulsion vehicles. Built for serious underwater explorers. The AV-2 is depth rated to 230' (tested to 300') and can run up to 100 minutes. That's right! More than triple the average burn time of our original vehicle. Choose between the new increased voltage Lead Acid Battery (SLA) or for more extensive diving the Nickel Metal Hydrate (Ni-MH). With all that time to burn you can get distracted. The new battery life indicator is very useful tool. You can switch back or forth between battery types with the flick of a switch. Complete control of speed is now at your finger tips. Travel at up to 2.5 miles per hour. Our new variable speed trigger works with the Hands Free Riding saddle (included) for smooth acceleration from full stop to top speed. Riding hands free give you freedom to explore new sites and new diving styles. Twist and turn like a dolphin, soar like a manta ray or make use of the tow bars to take along a coupe friends and extra gear. Download the Press Release for the AV-2 
AV-2 Performance Review Ernie Bourne, Pacific Offshore Divers  Pacific Offshore Divers, inc. took the AV-2 Demonstration unit with both types of batteries to the Channel Islands, October 7-9, 2005. The trip was a store sponsored dive with the objective of catching lobsters. The unit was expected to have a lot of use!
We dove the AV-2 alternating between both the Ni-MH and SLA batteries. During the dives a battery was always on charge so that the unit was ready to go on subsequent dives. Since most of the dives were 70 fsw or less our surface intervals were averaging approximately 45 minutes between dives (with stops for lunch, etc). The first day I put 7 dives on the AV-2. The speed was set on #2 as this provides a good moderate speed against most currents or swell. The unit performed Excellent! the difference in torque [compared to AV-1] is very apparent. At no time did I feel a drop in power on either type of battey even with a sustained run time of 45 minutes (the unit would last longer except my air wouldn't on a single tank!). I was tempted to not charge the Ni-MH battery between dives to see if I could get several dives on it. I have no doubt that it would have performed fine, however I decided to charge the battery as I like having enough power to get back to the boat. Subsequent dives over the next 2 days were excellent. The unit allowed us to cover a much larger area. On one dive, I surfaced and found the boat was a good half-mile away. Since I already had a 45 minute run time on the battery, I hoped at this point it would get me back to the boat. I was not disappointed! It brought me back through the current and swell to the swim platform in no time at all. Observations. A. Read the manual. B. When on a vessel, between dives, lay the unit down. If one leaves it standing, the motion of the ocean may topple it over and cause damage. C. Use a plastic tub with fresh water to lay the unit in. D. Do not get in a hurry installing or changing out the batteries. Keep all water off the batteries, compartment, and charging units. Dry your hands to keep water from dripping on them. In consideration of the AV-2 as another dive accessory, so to speak, I highly recommend it. The diver will have much more energy at the end of each dive... I should know! Having made 20 plus dives in two and a half days and wanting to go for more... ain't too bad for a 57 year old diver. | 
