The
Open Revolution Apocalypse Type IV mCCR (<- link to FAQ PDF file) that will be introduced at DEMA. A manually controlled cmf CCR with rear-mounted counter lungs.
Valves on top unprotected.
As they are on most OC tanks. No overhead, no damage from hitting it. Unprotected valves upside down can also quite easily be damaged when taking the unit off. Having the weight of the valves and 1st stages up high also helps balancing the rig UW. Plenty of people have changed the tank position on their RBs (CK, Meg etc) for those reasons, and on current pSCR units it's the stock configuration (frequently in caves at that).
Are those single velco straps the only thing holding the tanks on?
Yep, looks like single tank strap. Not so good IMHO, but it shouldn't be a problem to fit normal straps with latches.
The hose bore looks a bit small to me (smaller than the KISS) but maybe the picture is just deceiving.
As they're build in Sweden and offered in Europe the units should have CE testing done, hence WOB should be in line with other units that have passed that standard.
What are the expected costs of this rig?
Around $6500, if you registerd before the end of December 07 for a reduced price of about $5750 ... you could put in an order on their website with a $ 290 or so deposit IIRC.
As well as scrubber type/time?
Either pre-packed granular (from Molecular Products I believe) or ExtendAir cartridge from Micropore.
Duration has not been specified yet other than that the scrubber will out last the 300 liter O2 supply.
You can find an info brochure (not particularly well written IMHO) as well as a interesting "white paper" on
Poseidon's website.
You can find interviews with
Richard Pyle and
Bill Stone (<- links to MOV files, watch them in this order) that were taped at DEMA 2007 and give a good idea about both innovations and reasoning for decisions made regarding the MK-6 Discovery.