An aquashuttle traveling submerged.
Overhead view of an aquashuttle.
Aquashuttle captured by a sur-snake.
The aquashuttle was a type of Federation shuttle stowed aboard the shuttlebay of Constitution-class vessels during the late 2260s.
Aquashuttles were multi-purpose vessels that were designed for traveling through space; through a planetary atmosphere; transporting across water, like a boat; and as well, were submersible, like a submarine. These vessels were also lightly armed with dual phaser emitters.
In 2269, Captain Kirk, Commander Spock, Dr. McCoy and Lt. Clayton transported down to the planet Argo to study its formation aboard an aquashuttle assigned to the USS Enterprise.
The shuttle was attacked by a sur-snake, and eventually destroyed. During the final moments, McCoy and Clayton were thrown clear. Kirk and Spock, however, were not as fortunate, and were taken down in the shuttle, by the sur-snake.
Five days later Commander Scott, whilst traveling aboard a scouter gig, discovered Kirk and Spock near the remains of the destroyed aquashuttle. (TAS: "The Ambergris Element")