What Triton model class is the DSV Limiting Factor?

The DSV Limiting Factor is a Triton 36000/2-class submersible.

Triton Submarines built the vehicle for full-ocean-depth operations, meaning it was designed to withstand pressures found at the deepest known parts of the oceans. The “36000” designation refers to an approximate depth rating in feet, while “/2” indicates a two-person configuration: a pilot and an observer.

The submersible has a spherical titanium pressure hull and acrylic viewports, along with thrusters for vertical and horizontal maneuvering. It normally operated from DSSV Pressure Drop, which handled launch, recovery, mapping and expedition support.

Limiting Factor became famous during Victor Vescovo’s Five Deeps Expedition. It was the first crewed submersible to reach the deepest point in all five oceans, including the Puerto Rico Trench, South Sandwich Trench, Java Trench, Challenger Deep and Molloy Deep. After its sale in 2022, the vehicle was renamed Bakunawa, but its manufacturer’s Triton 36000/2 designation remains the relevant model class.