SubZero: RC Boat to Submarine
Background
Most commercially available 1:18 scale RC boats are designed solely for surface operation, lacking the structural integrity, waterproofing, and buoyancy control needed for submersion. While RC submarines are available as niche hobbyist products, they tend to be expensive, specialized, and limited in depth capability. This project aims to bridge that gap by converting an off-the-shelf RC boat into a functional submarine, applying engineering principles to address challenges in waterproofing, ballast design, and underwater propulsion.
Goals & Objectives
The goal of this project is to convert a commercially available 1:18 scale RC boat into a fully functional RC submarine in order to fill a gap in the remote control market. The converted vehicle must operate on the water's surface, submerge to a depth of 9ft, travel 25 yards across the length of the pool, and resurface. The project focuses on identifying and addressing the limitations of an off-the-shelf RC boat through design modifications that enable controlled submersion and underwater propulsion while maintaining surface performance. Key subsystems include a functional ballast/buoyancy system, watertight hull, propulsion, and controls.
A working proof-of-concept prototype is targeted by the end of Fall Quarter, followed by iterative testing and design refinements to achieve a fully functional RC submarine that meets all performance requirements by the end of Winter Quarter.
Fall Quarter 2025
- Week 8: Finalize CAD & begin manufacturing/assembly
- Week 9: Assembled submarine
- Week 10: Surface control & submersion testing
- Week 11: Working proof-of-concept prototype
Winter Quarter 2026
- Weeks 1-8: Iterative testing and modifications
- Week 8: Finalize submarine assembly
- Week 10: Demonstrate a fully functional RC submarine that can reliably submerge, travel, and resurface across a pool
Preliminary Design Review
For further details, take a look at our Preliminary Design Review.
Team Contacts
Naomi Sanft | nsanft@uci.edu
Daniel Parra | daparra@uci.edu
Christopher Mou | cjmou@uci.edu
Ethan Stefan | emstefan@uci.edu
Elijah Jamiyl Walker | elijahjw@uci.edu
Isabel Shinoki | ishinoki@uci.edu
Sponsor/Advisor
Mohamed Shorbagy | mshorbgy@uci.edu