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No Seat is Like a Seat Part 2 – Submarines

V 1. part In our seat series, we brought you information about the development of XC seats, in LA 2nd part we will focus on submarines, i.e. completely enclosed Cross Country seats, their development, differences and similar elements. Their advantages and dangers. In this article, we will focus more on the two most used submarines, we will also touch in more detail on the third one, which is already appearing in the air, and on all the others, for which 2025 is rather a premiere and pilots will rather gain experience with these harnesses, we will meet again in another part of the series.

I'm a submarine, what's more?

"Submarine" is a slang term for racing seat with external aerodynamic envelope, which significantly reduces air resistance with the aim of maximize gliding at high speed.

Main representatives:

  • Ozone Submarine
  • Gin Genie Race 5
  • NearBirds ATACMS
  • Concept features also in Niviuk Arrow Race, or the Skywalk or Woody Valley concepts

 

Milestones:

·        2020 · First mentions of Ozone Submarine, testing with Zeno 2 / Enzo 3
·        2021 · Prototypes Submarine mounted on PWC, special zip entry, tested in Lexovia
·        2022 ·        Submarine V1.0 officially introduced – limited sale, elite pilot selection
·        2023 ·         Submarine V1.2 – first greater availability, usable in multiple sizes
·        2023 ·        Nearbirds ATACMS – certificate for this harness in May
·        2024 ·        Gin Genie Race 5 introduced – new submarine-like shape (but without inflation)
·        2025 ·        Submarine V1.4 – improved ergonomics, magnetic closure, zipper stability

 

Ozone Submarine

The first fully enclosed inflatable frame seat without fans or batteries – developed over 5 years and tested by top racers. The designer of this Ozone seat model is Luc Armant and he comments on the model:

"The idea behind this project was to dramatically reduce air resistance by creating a fully inflated enclosure around the pilot without compromising safety."

Luc made the first version in 2006, when he was not a member of the Ozone team, and he made it as a "little yellow funny prototype" that he only flew in some local competitions and people started calling the seat the "Yellow Submarine". One of his prototypes was flown by Bruce Goldsmith at LA 2007 World Championships.

When the seat, together with Luc, already a member of the Ozone team, entered testing and mass production was about to begin, the factory had to close due to Covid. [x]In 2023, it was launched a few months before the world championship and caused a mass seat replacement of the world's leading pilots on the one hand and many extensive discussions about the safety of the seat on the other. At the PWC Superfinal in 2023, approximately 34 pilots appeared with the submarine, followed by others in 2024 and 2025.

Generation comparison – Ozone Submarine

Generation Major changes
V1.0 (2021) Experimental, zip entry, tight construction, tested by top pilots
V1.2 (2023) Greater comfort, better blade shape, improved durability, better ventilation filling
V1.4 (2025) Magnetic entry, optimized zippers, larger interior space, more device options

The main difference is the magnetic zipper compared to the original regular zipper (need to manipulate the zipper in exposed moments - takeoff/landing, so hands are not free for driving)

A pocket that allows you to reach your devices inside, a larger window and visor, and also the difference in stronger material

 

A replacement cover can be purchased for the seat in several different colors.

Gin Genie Race 5

The difference between the GR5 versions is not that significant. The differences are described very well. here.GIN compared to the prototype, the version that reached the pilots was already completely closed, see below. In LA 1st version, only a zipper, not a magnetic seat closure. When closing and opening the zipper, it is necessary to let go of the steering wheel. This seat is generally perceived by pilots as less powerful than the Ozone Submarine, on the contrary, pilots feel greater comfort and better visibility of instruments, subjectively lower temperature inside the cockpit and good maneuverability.

The latest version of the Gin Genie Race 5 has been changed in several aspects of the inflatable outer cover. The improved cover can also be purchased for the older version of the GR5, so in case of damage to the cover, it is possible to purchase only a replacement top part, just like with the Ozone Submarine. For LA 2025 version, the height of the aerocone has been improved - it covers the pilot's head (1 - number in the picture below). A magnetic zipper has been added for the main closure (2). The 40mm Ronstan ratchet with an easy-to-change system has also been changed (3). A G-chute pocket with a carabiner has been added (4). A cockpit pocket has been added with an improved zipper compartment (5). The material of the front of the seat has been changed - a stronger material is now used (6). There has been an asymmetric steering design and the fabric on the board has been reinforced (7).

The changes described above are visually indicated in this illustrative photo from the website Flybubble.

NearBirds ATACMS

We have very little information about this seat so far, if we do have any, mainly from the manufacturer, and we cannot rely too much on the experience of pilots, because simply put, there are not many of them.

Key differences between Ozone Submarine and GIN GR5 and NearBirds ATACMS

 

Parameter Ozone Submarine V1.4 GIN Genie Race 5 NearBirds ATACMS
Type / purpose Maximization of aerodynamics, low air resistance. Racing under-fairing, a compromise between performance and comfort, with two containers for reserve parachutes. Lightweight construction, racing seat with many sophisticated elements for aerodynamics and comfort.
Weight (medium/typical size) approx. 8,15 kg (size M) Quantity by size: for size M ~ 7,5 kg (total for XS-XL: 6.9-8.3 kg) ~ 6 kg (total weight) for the ATACMS model.
Pilot size/height range S: 160-176 cm; M: 173-186 cm; L: 183-194 cm XS, S, M, L, XL – e.g. M: 170-180 cm, other sizes have their ranges No exact complete size charts + ranges for each size found (standard tested L)
Maximum load / load test 120 kg (load test) for all sizes S, M, L Certification: EN & LTF; maximum load 120 kg For size L: max. pilot weight stated 100 kg (certification according to document) for specific size.
Back protection certification / protective elements EN 1651-2018 certified. classic foam protector 9 cm Koroyd back protector, EN & LTF certified. Foam protector 16 cm
Cocoon closure / input-output / control Under the hood: magnetic airtight closure (magnets in the tunnel); double zipper for the upper body; improved aerocone structure for stall safety. Double zipper system; 1st version only zipper, 2nd version magnets in the tunnel, inner compartment with pocket, removable foot-pads (2.5 / 5 / 7.5cm) for adjusting the length of the cocoon; speed bar (asymmetric) with three steps. Entry/exit via magnetic closure under the cocoon (unlike OS and GR5, magnets are openly sewn onto the fabric; magnets for opening/closing; deck-shaped closure; possibility of releasing the aerocone in case of stall/collapse; three ballast pockets for optimizing weight distribution.
Aerodynamics / air resistance Very low drag thanks to complete fairing and aerodynamic design; shape optimization; aerocon newly modified, magnetic closures. Very aerodynamic profile; tested in the tunnel (GIN LAB); reduced flutter / flapping; cocoon shape + presence of flight deck + well-designed entrance to the cocoon. Designed for minimal drag; magnetic latches for stall release; aerocon pressure adjustable; weight reduction;
Comfort / usability / additional features Large side pockets, better access to equipment, enlarged reserve compartment zipper, modifications to individual parts; less comfortable when taking off, exiting-entering, walking, less ventilation. More comfort than a typical racing pod: adjustable leg length, flight deck + pockets, two rescue system reservoirs, rear pocket for a 30L backpack, hydration pockets, radio. Lightweight construction; good ventilation/temperature regulation; smart placement of ballast pockets; magnets + easy entry/exit; “Anti-G” pocket; advanced safety features.
Disadvantages/Compromises Heavier than some lighter models; less comfortable to wear outside of flight; less ventilation; higher price; Not yet ultra-light, still some bulk and weight compared to super-light from competitors Less data available (certifications, sizes); max weight lower in some sizes; possibly fewer service parts available; closure/handling details may be new to some.

Simplified – differences between Ozone Submarine and GR 5

Function / Access Ozone Submarine Genie Race 5
body Fully enclosed, no airflow After the not-fully-enclosed prototype, the pilots are now getting a fully-enclosed seat
Inflating the hull Fills with air during flight Fills with air during flight
Gain in glide (according to tests) 0,2–0,3 points at 55–60 km/h 0,1–0,2 points (smaller difference than Submarine)
Operation complexity Higher – zippers (new magnetic), inflation, exit more difficult Medium – magnets, more comfortable entry (only zip in LA 1st version)
Guard  Koroyd Koroyd

 

Subjective comparison of feelings in flight

Aspect Ozone Submarine GIN Genie Race 5
Aerodynamics and noise Very quiet environment, feeling "fully included in the cockpit" - like in a wind tunnel Quiet cockpit, but more open profile – airflow is smooth, details reflected in the pilot's decision (compared to LA 1st version of the GR5)
High speed feeling Increased power feel at >53 km/h – smooth, stable glide Stable, but softer – pleasant to the touch, but slightly inferior in performance to the Ozone Submarine
Handling on the ground Requires careful setup, significantly more demanding operation and exiting the seat Easier take-off and landing, exiting the seat is intuitive and hassle-free
Comfort and ergonomics Uncomfortably tight, requires precise body trim – high performance but low comfort More comfortable seating, safe feeling, relatively good temperature in the cockpit
Cockpit access More difficult to read instruments, smaller window, less clear access More space for devices, well-placed devices, clear ergonomics

Subjective evaluation of pilot seats:

Foreign pilot 1:

Ziad [X] stresses that the difference in performance becomes apparent only at speeds above ~53 km / h, he hardly recognizes it in normal trim passes, but “5–15 m on long glides” can decide the race. According to him, the Submarine is demanding to position the body correctly, but once everything is in order, takeoff and landing are as easy as with a regular seat.

Foreign pilot 2:

On the "ParaglidingSecondHand" forum, pilot Rez Kordi [X]summarized: "I flew a season with a submarine and it is one of the best seats I have ever flown in. But it also has its problems, the instruments are not sufficiently legible, the adjustment is very difficult and it is not easy to get out of the seat quickly... the performance is noticeably better.”

Foreign pilot 3:

Flybubble blogger pilot Phil Clark describes LA 2024 GR5 [X]: “Sitting in the seat is safe, similar to the GR4 (a classic racing seat, the predecessor of the GR5 submarine). Over time, I easily got used to the submarine and there is no need to deal with any complexities. I do not complain about any problems during take-off or landing, carrying and unfolding the seat is problem-free – transporting it a few meters up a hill is not limiting for me. When deciding between the GR5 and the Ozone Submarine, I chose the GR5 primarily for its ease of use and durability. The performance of both is comparable.

Foreign pilot 4:

The buckles on the leg straps are really stiff. They have to be completely undone and even have to be squeezed together a bit to get them to open. I found that this gets a little better with use as the paint on the male part of the buckle starts to wear off, which reduces the tolerance a little. What helped me immensely with this harness was finding that The length of the pants is adjustable! It doesn't say this anywhere in the manual. I'm about 177 cm tall and in size M I sit about halfway between sizes. With the standard setting the legs caused me to slouch significantly when I had to stand up in the harness, which made it incredibly tiring when maneuvering during takeoff. I increased the length of the legs by 3-4 cm and while it's still not like the H&F harness, it's much better. This makes the buckle a lot easier to unbuckle, especially when you're tired after a flight - to the point where I don't notice the buckles being such a nuisance anymore. Another observation I can mention is the stability of this harness. It goes without saying that it's designed for flying wings with a higher grip distance. My Zeno 2 feels like a completely different wing with this harness (compared to the lighter seat I used to fly with).

Czech pilot 1:

There are currently 3 “submarines” flying in XC. Original Ozone Submarine, Gin Genie Race 5 and Nearbirds ATACMS.
Genie Race 5 Even though it has a larger protector, it still mainly uses Koroyd, which in my opinion is not at all suitable for spine protection. At the same time, it is significantly more wobbly and is taller. Both have a negative impact on performance, so it loses out compared to Ozone. The advantage is the stand outside the pressurized envelope.
Nearbirds ATACMS I've seen maybe 3 pilots fly at competitions. They're quite disappointed that the seat looks really crazy and almost no one knows the brand. I can only speculate about the performance, because there are really few pilots. A big plus is the giant foam protector and the instruments outside the envelope. A big minus is that it's pressurized by a fan that you have to have plugged into a power bank and the moment your batteries run out, you're out of luck.
I learned from a test pilot from Niviuk that their submarine Rocket should be released before the next superfinal, so sometime in April/May. They have a different protector than the others. They call it Orikami, but even they admit that side impacts are not covered at all and the main advantage is that you can use the Orikami more times than the Koroyd, which you press once and can't use again. It looks a lot more comfortable and well thought out compared to the submarine. It has a bigger back pocket and the shoulders adjust where they should. According to them, the performance is on par with the Ozone Submarine
Kortel It seems that after a few prototypes he gave up on his development. Woody Valley is still creating its prototype, which occasionally one of the Italian pilots takes to a race, but it doesn't seem like the development is making any progress.
Ozone sums it up nicely Ozone Submarine this sentence."It is intended only for pilots who understand and accept the safety and necessary compromises in ease of use inherent in high-performance harnesses.”The question is whether those compromises are over.

Czech pilot 2:

I wouldn't mind buying a Submarine harness, but I won't buy one if I have my instruments inside and behind a plastic window. The only harness I'm considering buying right now is the Gin GR5. But if the updated Submarine case could have an "external instrument placement" option, I'd probably buy it.

Czech pilot 3:

I'm not sure we're going to get pilots to switch en masse to submarines. By switching from an open harness to a cocoon seat, you're not only gaining performance, you're also gaining a lot of comfort. Your seat works better, you have useful pockets, and your feet are warm without having to pack up and then wear a ridiculous flight suit. By switching from a standard harness to a submarine, you're only gaining performance. I'm not sure the price increase and inconvenience associated with this thing will work for most recreational XC pilots.

Czech pilot 4:

Personally, I like the Submarinka, I don't feel any major difference from other seats in terms of comfort or function, plus the aerodynamics are better, but it's just hot in there. The interior of the Submarinka is very similar to the Ozone Exoceat.

Reviews across the web

Pilots across the racing spectrum point out these shortcomings of the submarine-type seat in general (from the experience of some pilots, other pilots do not feel these shortcomings as fundamentally):

  • Spine protector, which meets the standard, but according to pilots only for lower impact force and only in a vertical fall, where the protector is widest - its thickness thins to the side. The protector now only has foam under the back compared to the older GR3 and GR 4, where the protector was almost over the entire back. The spine protector in the Ozone Submarine is also insufficient.
  • Visibility around you – For smaller pilots or pilots who are using the potential of the submarine and are truly submerged in the seat with only their head out, visibility ahead is greatly reduced. Additionally, there is limited movement underneath and tilting to see what is happening around them.
  • Visibility on devices – constant refocusing through mica into the submarine – loss of peripheral vision – better with GR5.
  •  Terrible heat while waiting in line for the start 
  •  Flight on a reserve – inability to look above your head and pack the main parachute.
  •  Material durability – material degraded within two years (with each subsequent version, the material is improved in exposed areas)
  • Loosening the buckles on the Ozone Submarine – buckles that tend to come loose during flight
  • The buckle on the leg strap on the GR5 is too stiff to open. -the buckle should come off with moderate use and paint wear
  • Adjusting the arms on the side of the Ozone Submarine– it often happens that while getting dressed, the shoulders sag on the ground
  • Slouching at the start of the GR5 – knowledge of the adjustability of the pants will be of great help (can be moved in the order of centimeters)

Why did racing pilots change their regular seats for a submarine? We already answered most of the reasons in Part 1 in the comparison of regular racing seats and submarines, in one sentence it is mainly about the aerodynamics of flight - minimizing air resistance. And the main problem is the loss of the ability to maintain position on a less powerful seat. No pilot wants to lose to an opponent before the start.

We can look at the difference in aerodynamics and shape efficiency in this video.

 

Many thanks to Ondra Pohořelský, Petr for their help with editing the article. Kostrhunto the Hadaš family, Kvida and Hugo Hadaš.

In the next issues of the seat special, we will look at the bridge for individual protectors, a special section will be dedicated to Koroyd and also seats for ACC, i.e. accuracy landing and Hike&Fly.