Kevin Hardy Papers
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Library
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
Copyright 2022
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
Business Number: 858-534-2533
Fax Number: 858-534-5950
spcoll@ucsd.edu
Descriptive Summary
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
Title: Kevin Hardy Papers
Creator:
Hardy, Kevin Richard, 1953-
Identifier/Call Number: SMC 0081
Physical Description:
6 Linear feet
(15 archival boxes, 1 flat box folder, 5 map case folders)
Physical Description:
.25 GB
of digital files
Date (inclusive): 1952-2004
Abstract: Papers of Kevin Hardy, development engineer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography from 1972 to 2011 and founder of Global
Ocean Design LLC. He is known for the speed records of his human powered submersible SubDUDE and for his unmanned landers,
which have reached the deepest parts of the ocean. The collection includes correspondence, planning materials for events and
projects, photographs, and audiovisual recordings.
Languages:
English
.
Scope and Content of Collection
Papers of Kevin Hardy, development engineer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography from 1972 to 2011 and founder of Global
Ocean Design LLC. He is known for the speed records of his human powered submersible SubDUDE and for his unmanned landers,
which have reached the deepest parts of the ocean. The collection includes correspondence, planning materials for events and
projects, photographs, and audiovisual recordings. The bulk of the collection documents the development and racing of SubDUDE
and a sequence of human-powered submersible racing events in the 1990s which Hardy helped to organize. Hardy was also the
planning director for the SIO Centennial in 2003, and the collection includes his planning binders and calendars of events
for the year-long celebration.
Arranged in five series: 1) SUBMARINES AND SUBMERSIBLES, 2) OCEANOGRAPHIC ENGINEERING, 3) SIO CENTENNIAL, 4) OTHER EVENTS
& PROJECTS, and 5) AUDIOVISUAL RECORDINGS.
Biography
Kevin Richard Hardy was born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. He was hired as a development engineer at Scripps Institution of
Oceanography in 1972 while studying engineering at San Diego State University. Hardy organized the World Submarine Invitational
races while at SIO, which developed standardized timing methods for submarine races. He led the team which designed and built
the submersible SubDUDE, which entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 1992 as the fastest human-powered non-propeller
submersible. Hardy also organized the many events and projects associated with Scripps Institution of Oceanography's centennial
year in 2003, including organizing the Oceans 2003 conference held in San Diego.
After retiring from SIO in 2011, Hardy founded Global Ocean Design LLC, which develops oceanographic instruments and deep
ocean vehicles. In 2012, Hardy led the team which designed, built, and operated two unmanned landers used in James Cameron's
Deepsea Challenge expedition. Both landers reached the deepest part of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, as well
as many other deep-sea locations around the world. Hardy is also known for his educational outreach efforts, which include
hands-on engineering projects for K-12 students and remotely operated vehicle competitions for high school and college students.
He is a fellow of the Marine Technology Society and a member of the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA)
and the Deep Submersible Pilots Association.
Preferred Citation
Kevin Hardy Papers. SMC 81. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Library.
Acquisition Information
Acquired 1993, 1996, 2002, 2004
OFF-SITE STORAGE
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. ALLOW ONE WEEK FOR RETRIEVAL OF MATERIALS.
Publication Rights
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Digital Content
The collection contains a small number of born-digital files, and many surrogates of original media recordings.
Restrictions
Original audiovisual recording formats are restricted. Listening/viewing copies may be available to researchers.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Submersibles -- Design and construction
Human powered vehicles -- Design and construction
Ocean engineering
Hardy, Kevin Richard, 1953- -- Archives
SUBMARINES AND SUBMERSIBLES
Scope and Content of Series
Series 1) SUBMARINES AND SUBMERSIBLES: Papers and photographs documenting the International Submarine Races held in 1991 and
1993, and the West Coast & World Submarine Invitationals held in 1994 and 1996. Hardy was an organizer and participant in
these events. Lockheed Advanced Marine Systems donated the vessel
Gossamer Albacore to SIO (it had participated in the 1st International Human Powered Submarine Races). Kevin Hardy and the Scripps Ocean Technology
Forum Human Powered Submarine Team reduced it to a bare hull, and redesigned and reconstructed it to create the vessel SubDUDE.
SubDUDE participated in several events, and went on to set a Guinness speed record. The series also includes reports, correspondence,
manuals, ephemera, notes, and photographs concerning the submersibles
Star III and
SEAmobile, and reunion planning for
Sealab II.
For audiovisual recordings of the SubDUDE project, see the last series in this collection.
2nd International Submarine Race
ca. 1991
Box 1
Background information; Race administration - Entry forms, contestant and operations manuals, etc.
Box 2, Folder 1
General information notebook
Box 2, Folder 7
Entry form and presentation to the judges
Box 3, Folder 1-4
SubDUDE photographs and presentation illustration
3rd International Submarine Race
ca. 1993
Box 3, Folder 8-11
Race administration - Entry forms, contestant and operations manuals, etc.
Box 5, Folder 1-12
West Coast Submarine Invitational - Race administration: Planning, contestant lists, public relations, etc.
1994
World Submarine Invitational
1996
Box 7, Folder 1-2
Event program and correspondence
Box 8, Folder 3-12
Guinness World Records application
1992-1996
Oversize FB-016, Folder 12
Guinness World Record certificate
Box 9
Star III - Certification, design report, operations manual, specifications, correspondence, and photographs
1964-1970
General note
Star III is a two-person submersible built by General Dynamics for the U.S. Navy for underwater research. It was donated to SIO in
1969 and eventually placed on display in front of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Oversize Annex MC-028, Folder 02
Star III - Blueprints
1967
Oversize Annex MC-028, Folder 03
Star III - Blueprints
1967
Oversize Annex MC-028, Folder 04
Star III - Blueprints
1967
Oversize Annex MC-028, Folder 05
Star III - Blueprints
1967
Box 10, Folder 1-3
Ephemera - Brochures, specifications, price lists, and annual reports regarding submersibles and submarines
1969-1990
Box 10, Folder 4
SEAmobile submersible
1997
General note
Brochures, photographs and correspondence regarding demo dives of the
SEAmobile submersible by Hydrospace Corporation. Kevin Hardy was one of the participants.
Box 10, Folder 5
Return to
SeaLab II - Reunion planning
1991-2002
General note
Includes photographs of LCDR Jeff Beaty, 2002, and
SeaLab II; and article "SeaLab II Revisited" by Kevin Hardy, 1991.
Box 10, Folder 6-9
Southern California ROV Flyoffs
2001-2003
General note
Underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) competitions for high school and college students sponsored by the Marine Advanced
Technology Education Center (MATE), the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and SIO. Includes instructions for building a soda
cup submarine by Kevin Hardy.
OCEANOGRAPHIC ENGINEERING
Scope and Content of Series
Series 2) OCEANOGRAPHIC ENGINEERING: Kevin Hardy's notes and correspondence on engineering projects at SIO; correspondence
and minutes for the Ocean Technology Forum; and manuals and catalogs for oceanographic equipment.
Box 11, Folder 1-3
Task lists
1985-2000
General note
Hardy's notes and correspondence regarding engineering projects at SIO, arranged chronologically.
Box 11, Folder 4
Sippican expendable bathythermograph system R-467A - Manual
1967
Box 11, Folder 5
Sippican expendable bathythermograph system R-603D - Manual
1975
Box 11, Folder 6
W. F. Sprengnether seismographic equipment - Catalog
1974
Box 11, Folder 7
DeepSea Power & Light - Battery Whistler pressure test chambers
2001
Box 11, Folder 8-9
Ocean Technology Forum
1990-2000
Box 12, Folder 1-2
Ocean Technology Forum
1990-2000
General note
Includes "Practical High Pressure O-ring Seal Design Selected Seminar Notes," by Kevin Hardy, 1990.
SIO CENTENNIAL (2003)
Scope and Content of Series
Series 3) SIO CENTENNIAL: Kevin Hardy was the program director for SIO's Centennial Year, which was celebrated from September
2002 to December 2003. The project's mission was to "elevate awareness and appreciation of SIO and the science of oceanography"
and "to foster interaction between SIO and partners in industry, government, academia, and the community." Includes planning
materials, such as correspondence, reports, briefings, and public relations plans. Also includes files related to Centennial
events and projects, such as the kick-off event at the Coronado Boathouse, the SIO Centennial Show, development of a walking
tour of the campus with historical plaques, and an excavation of the old water tower site.
Box 12, Folder 9
Development and External Relations
Box 13, Folder 3
"This month in Scripps history"
Oversize Annex MC-028, Folder 01
"This month in Scripps history" oversize posters and walking tour maps
Box 13, Folder 4
SIO Centennial show
General note
Includes scripts, lyrics, sheet music and a photograph for the show.
Box 13, Folder 5-6
Coronado Boathouse
General note
Includes talk transparencies and photograph.
Oversize FB-016, Folder 12
Coronado Boathouse - SIO centennial ribbon signed by Kevin Hardy and mayor Tom Smith, and SIO-themed flag
Box 13, Folder 7
San Diego County Fair - Scripps Ocean Exploration exhibit
Box 13, Folder 9
Historical granite markers/monuments
Box 13, Folder 10
"Top 100" research milestone lists
Box 13, Folder 11
T-buildings - Photographs
Box 14, Folder 2
Scripps campus walking tour
General note
Notes for the SIO walking tour. Includes "A Guide to 'Old Scripps Building'," "The Long History of T-16," and "The Ploughman."
Scripps building markers - Digital files
General
Images and captions for descriptive plaques.
Box 14, Folder 3
Scripps building markers - Sample plaques
Box 14, Folder 4
Water Tower - History and excavation
General note
Includes photographs of the excavation.
OTHER EVENTS AND PROJECTS
Scope and Content of Series
Series 4) OTHER EVENTS AND PROJECTS: Planning materials for events organized by Kevin Hardy, including the Oceans 2003 conference
in San Diego; the Ancient Mariner's group at SIO; Eugene LaFond's memorial service; and lectures and talks.
Box 14, Folder 5
Scripps Institution of Oceanography 80th anniversary
1983
Box 14, Folder 6
San Diego Regional Technology Alliance proposal
1996-1997
Box 14, Folder 7
"Navy support for oceanography at SIO," by Deborah Day
2000
Box 14, Folder 8
Ancient Mariners - Planning materials
2000-2003
Ancient Mariners at MarFac - Photographs
2001 May 11
General note
Photographs by Norm Sattler at Marine Facilities. Images include Kevin Hardy, Fred and Sally Spiess, George and Betty Shor,
Robert Knox, Charlie Kennel, Tom Collins, and R/V
Roger Revelle.
Box 14, Folder 9
LaFond memorial
2003 January 13
Box 14, Folder 10
Wreck of the
Loma - Talk outline
2003
Box 14, Folder 11
Programs
General note
Kevin Hardy was executive vice-chairman for the Oceans 2003 MTS/IEEE conference "Celebrating the Past, Teaming Toward the
Future" held in San Diego from September 22-26, 2003.
Box 14, Folder 13
Report and preview summary
SIO Centennial booth exhibit photograph
AUDIOVISUAL RECORDINGS
Scope and Content of Series
Series 5) AUDIOVISUAL FILES: Video tapes of submersibles and submersible racing, including SubDUDE and Sub-Human II, and Guinness
World Record attempts. Includes a KPBS radio news report on the SIO "instrument graveyard" of oceanographic equipment off
the San Diego coast; and a sound recording of a talk by Kevin Hardy on SIO history.
Box 15, Folder 1
Sub-Human II (VHS)
1991
General note
National media coverage on the Sub-Human II races.
Box 15, Folder 2
Scientific American "Frontiers" program: '91 Sub Race (VHS)
1991 October 23
General note
Rough footage sent by Ocean Tech. Systems who created video recording - letter enclosed with tape. Several segments on oceans,
including human powered subs and sea turtles.
Box 15, Folder 3
Raw footage of Human Powered Submarine races (VHS)
1991
Box 15, Folder 4
SubDUDE going for Guinness record (VHS)
1992 August 21
General note
KUSI news report regarding the SubDUDE, a human powered submarine.
Box 15, Folder 5
Guinness record attempts - SubDUDE and Sub-Human II (VHS)
1992 August 21 and October 24
General note
Guinness record attempt on August 21, 1992 by the non-propeller driven Subdue and the propeller-driven Sub-Human II human
powered submarines. Successful Guinness Record run on October 24, 1992 by propeller-driven Sub-Human II human powered submarine.
Both were built by the Scripps Ocean Technology Forum Human Powered Submarine Team organized by Kevin Hardy.
Box 15, Folder 6
Sub human power (Video8 cassette)
1992
General note
30-minutes haul and 30 minutes tests of the human powered submarine SubDUDE.
Box 15, Folder 7
SubDUDE - Source files (Video8 cassette)
1992
General note
Raw footage taken for a San Diego, Channel 10 news report about the human powered submarine SubDUDE.
Box 15, Folder 8
Wanda Levine reports for CSM on the sub races (audiocassette)
1994 March 28
Box 15, Folder 9
KPBS Radio report - Hardy's underwater camera used on the "instrument graveyard" (audiocassette)
2004 April 15
General note
Describes lost acoustical equipment about 70 miles off the San Diego coast, and the underwater camera created by Kevin Hardy
and Bill Heggy of SIO to film it. Starts at 2:00 minutes.
Box 15, Folder 10
"Scripps and the War Years," history talk by Kevin Hardy, Sumner Auditorium (audiocassette)
2004 July 27
Box 15, Folder 11
Always an Adventure: SubHuman (VHS)
Box 15, Folder 12
The Submariners, UCSD TV (VHS)