What was the Aqualung used for?
Their invention allowed for the equipment known as the Aqualung, or self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), enabling safer and deeper dives. Previously, divers were only able to explore the sea using diving bells or helmeted diving suits which were cumbersome and expensive. Born in 1910, Cousteau co-invented the aqualung, a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, which revolutionized deep-sea diving and made it possible for divers to explore the depths of the ocean more extensively.The Aqua-Lung was invented in France during the winter of 1942–1943 by two Frenchmen: engineer Émile Gagnan and Jacques Cousteau, who was a Naval Lieutenant (French: lieutenant de vaisseau). It allowed Cousteau and Gagnan to film and explore underwater more easily.The story of the Aqua-Lung began during World War II on the shores of the French Riviera. As fuel shortages swept across Europe, engineer Émile Gagnan developed a demand regulator for cooking gas. Jacques Cousteau, envisioning a new era of human exploration beneath the waves, adapted the regulator for underwater use.FIRST TO DIVE 80 years ago we cut the cord. When Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan invented the Aqua Lung, history was forever changed. This single piece of equipment launched decades of innovation, and empowered discovery by making the underwater world more accessible.Specifically, his invention, with partner Emile Gagnan, of a self- contained system that made it possible to breathe for long periods of time underwater. By inventing the aqualung in 1943, Cousteau changed forever how underwater exploration and work would be carried out.
What’s another name for an Aqualung?
Aqua-Lung was the first open-circuit, self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (or scuba) to achieve worldwide popularity and commercial success. This class of equipment is now commonly referred to as a twin-hose diving regulator, or demand valve. Frenchman Jacques Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan create the first successful open-circuit scuba system, which recycles exhaled breath back into the diver’s lungs. The United States Navy began training its frogmen in the use of scuba gear for combat and sabotage operations.The Aqua-Lung was invented in France during the winter of 1942–1943 by two Frenchmen: engineer Émile Gagnan and Jacques Cousteau, who was a Naval Lieutenant (French: lieutenant de vaisseau). It allowed Cousteau and Gagnan to film and explore underwater more easily.
Why is the Aqualung important?
The Aqualung introduced a regulator system that allowed divers to inhale and exhale through the same mouthpiece, significantly improving oxygen efficiency and mobility. Cousteau and Gagnan’s design utilized high-pressure metal tanks filled with compressed air, enabling divers to reach depths of up to 68. At Aqualung, we ensure our products meet the highest safety and performance standards. Our declarations of conformity certify that all our diving equipment complies with European regulations and industry standards.
What are some interesting facts about the Aqualung?
The Aqua-Lung didn’t just change how we dive, it opened the ocean to the world. Co-invented in 1943 by legendary ocean explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau and engineer Émile Gagnan, this groundbreaking device was the first truly self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Aqua-Lung was the first open-circuit, self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (or scuba) to achieve worldwide popularity and commercial success. This class of equipment is now commonly referred to as a twin-hose diving regulator, or demand valve.
What does “aqualung” actually mean?
An aqualung is a kind of diving equipment that lets you breathe under water. It’s an air tank strapped to your back plus a mouthpiece that lets you breathe in that air. Its name was the brand name of the first ever underwater breathing apparatus, what we now call scuba equipment. In a significant shift for the global scuba diving landscape, HEAD Group—the company behind Mares and SSI—has officially acquired Aqualung Group, one of the most iconic names in diving history.SSI was acquired by HEAD in 2014 becoming the #1 diving certifier in Europe and has more than doubled in revenue since its acquisition. ZOGGS, a swim brand born in Australia was acquired by HEAD in 2020 and has since seen significant international growth taking advantage of HEAD’s global network.It was acquired by Barings LLC in December 2023. After U. S. Divers Company was renamed Aqualung America, the name U. S. Divers was retained as a trademark for Aqua Lung’s line of snorkelling equipment. In 2024, the U. S. Divers brand was sold to a California-based company called Aqua Master Sporting Technology.
Why is the Aqua-Lung important?
The Aqualung introduced a regulator system that allowed divers to inhale and exhale through the same mouthpiece, significantly improving oxygen efficiency and mobility. Cousteau and Gagnan’s design utilized high-pressure metal tanks filled with compressed air, enabling divers to reach depths of up to 68. Dräger’s innovative diving equipment allows divers to focus completely on the tasks at hand. With Dräger, they don’t need to worry about their equipment. That’s why the US Navy SEALs have depended on our equipment for the last 40 years.The preferred diving apparatus for special diving units is the Dräger closed-circuit oxygen rebreather. Dräger LAR V underwater breathing apparatus enables special forces teams to complete their assignments in even the most hostile of underwater conditions.