Aluminaut’s 60th Anniversary
Top-secret missions, daring rescues, record-breaking feats, unimaginable nautical innovation and amazing scientific explorations … what could make such a splash? The Aluminaut, of course!
Conceived and constructed by Richmond-based company Reynolds Metal Co., the one-of-a-kind submersible completed more than 250 dives during its operations from 1964–1970. It was the first submarine to be built out of aluminum.
Even under high-pressure situations, the Aluminaut completed notable missions, including aiding in the recovery of a hydrogen bomb and retrieving Alvin, a deep-ocean research submersible that is still in active service today. The Aluminaut even set a record for deep-sea diving submarines, at a depth of 15,000 feet.
To celebrate six decades, enjoy six of our favorite Aluminaut images from our collection! From images taken from the deck to close encounters with a sea creature during a voyage, the images capture a variety of activities involving the innovative sub.
To dive in and learn more, visit the Aluminaut, stationed in the TrainYard at the Science Museum.
