A SUBMARINE co-designed and built by a Bradford engineering student has brought home a prize from a prestigious international racing competition.

Jen Bonson was part of the University of Warwick Submarine team, which won ‘Best Design Report’ when they raced their human-powered submarine ‘Godiva 2’ against other university teams at the European International Submarine Race (eISR) at QinetiQ’s Ocean Basin facility in Gosport, Hampshire.

The eISR competition is a design challenge to build and race a one or two-person, human-powered submarine on an underwater course, competing against another 11 teams from universities all over the world.

The Warwick Sub Project consisted of a team of six undergraduate engineering students – including Cullingworth-born Miss Bonson - from a variety of disciplines.

The former Bradford Grammar School pupil has just graduated with a first from her masters degree in mechanical engineering, and has already secured a job with PNJ Engineering in Alcester following her studies.

Speaking about her experience, she said: “I grew up taking part in swimming competitions, but this event was on another level, the pool was three times the size of an Olympic swimming pool.

“The competition was great, and it was fantastic to meet people taking part from all over the world.

“It was such a good atmosphere, and everyone was cheering each other on.”

Miss Bonson said she was responsible for the building and performance of the hull of the submarine, also taking responsibility for the team’s sponsorship, in which she raised £60,000 in-kind, with organisations donating their materials and expertise.

Project director Dr Ian Tuersley said the Warwick team had performed “magnificently.”

“This is the third year we have entered the eISR competition, both in the US and in Europe, and once again the team have returned with a major prize. This is particularly pleasing as we are up against teams that have a great deal more experience in the competition, from institutions that have greater subject specialisation that we do.”