Sea Hornet B-Commander regulator
Sea Hornet B-Commander Regulator: A Rare and Sought-After Design
The Sea Hornet B-Commander regulator stands as the pinnacle of Sea Hornet’s Command Air series. Renowned for its high performance and innovative features, this regulator was specifically engineered for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Clearance Divers. With only 1,500 units ever produced, the B-Commander is now a rare and highly sought-after piece of diving equipment.
Innovative Features of the B-Commander
The B-Commander introduced several advancements over its predecessors. A key enhancement was the lightweight plastic low-pressure seat carrier, which improved efficiency. Additionally, the revised Turbo Boost shroud provided a less directional pulse of air when fully open. These innovations allowed the Commander second stage to deliver a maximum flow of 1,400 liters per minute, outperforming the Command Air’s 1,000 liters per minute.
Development and Engineering Expertise
The development of the Command Air series was led by Chief Engineer Peter Katz, who joined Sea Hornet in 1980. Under Katz’s leadership, the company launched its first regulator in twenty years, the Sea Hornet Mk1, in 1981. Katz remained instrumental in designing all Sea Hornet breathing equipment until his retirement in 2003.
The Origins of Sea Hornet
Sea Hornet was founded by T.D. Preece & Co. Pty Ltd in 1959. The company initially produced a two-piece hand spear made from brass tubing. Over time, it expanded its product line to include a wide range of underwater equipment, such as weight belts, gas cylinders, valves, regulators, and spearguns. Sea Hornet’s commitment to quality and innovation made it a respected name in the diving community.
Military Applications and Rigorous Testing
In addition to serving recreational divers, Sea Hornet supplied military scuba diving equipment to Australia’s defense forces. The company also manufactured high-pressure cylinder valves for various gases. Their rigorous testing procedures, including impact tests on regulators, ensured that their equipment was durable and reliable.
Challenges and Legacy
After the passing of founder Bob Preece in 1987, Sea Hornet continued under the management of his family. Despite their efforts, the company eventually ceased operations. Spare parts for Sea Hornet regulators became increasingly scarce. However, the legacy of Sea Hornet’s innovation and contributions to diving equipment endures among enthusiasts and collectors.
Preserving Sea Hornet Equipment
For collectors and divers interested in maintaining Sea Hornet gear, organizations like the Historical Diving Society Australia-Pacific provide resources. Members, such as Alex Suslin, have acquired a range of spare parts ex-military for these units and welcome inquiries.
The Sea Hornet B-Commander and the company’s other products remain a testament to Australian ingenuity in diving technology, continuing to inspire admiration among divers worldwide.
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