Panamarenko (1940-2019) - North Sea Pedalo

Artwork Noordzee pedalo (or North Sea Pedalo) from 1994, made by the visionary Belgian artist and inventor Panamarenko (Henri Van Herwegen). The work is an iconic example of his poetic and imaginary vehicles with which humans could move forward on their own power. Key design features: Function: A single-person underwater pedalo or "submarine pedal boat" designed to cross the North Sea. Operation: The pilot is strapped in with safety belts in a saddle. By pedaling on bicycle pedals, a propeller of 80 cm at the rear is driven. Stability: To withstand the waves, the hull of the craft lies just below the water surface. A 4-meter-long metal rod with at its bottom a 10 kg lead weight keeps the pedalo in underwater perfect balance. Technical notes: Upper right on the sketch Panamarenko noted his calculations and objectives, such as a speed of 20 km/hour, 9/10 under water, and wave drag eliminated.