Online Encyclopedia Search Tool

Your Online Encyclopedia

 

Online Encylopedia and Dictionary Research Site

Online Encyclopedia Free Search Online Encyclopedia Search    Online Encyclopedia Browse    welcome to our free dictionary for your research of every kind

Online Encyclopedia



Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle

A U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) performs rescue operations on submerged, disabled submarines of the U.S. Navy or foreign navies.

U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) - Mystic
Enlarge
U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) - Mystic
Contents

Features

DSRVs are designed for quick deployment in the event of a submarine accident. DSRVs are transportable by truck, aircraft, ship, or by specially configured attack submarine. At the accident site, the DSRV works with either a “mother” ship or “mother” submarine. The DSRV dives, conducts a sonar search, and attaches to the disabled submarine’s hatch. DSRVs can embark up to 24 personnel for transfer to the “mother” vessel.

The DSRV also has an arm to clear hatches on a disabled submarine and a combined gripper and cable cutter. The gripper is able to lift 1,000 pounds (450 kg).

Background

DSRVs were developed as a result of the USS Thresher submarine accident in 1963, when all hands were lost. At the time, submarine operating depths greatly exceeded the capabilities of rescue vessels. The Deep Submergence Systems Project contracted with Lockheed Missiles and Space, Co. to produce a deep diving rescue submarine, the first of which was launched in 1970.

General characteristics


Builder: Lockheed Missiles and Space, Co., Sunnyvale, California, USA
Power Plant: Electric motors, silver/zinc batteries, one shaft, 15 shaft horsepower (11 kW), four thrusters, 7.5 horsepower (6 kW).
Length: 49 ft (15 m)
Beam: 8 ft (2.4 m)
Displacement: 38 tons (38.61 metric tons)
Speed 4 knots (7 km/h)
Maximum depth: 5,000 ft (1524 m)
Sonar: Search and navigation
Ships: Mystic (DSRV 1)
Avalon (DSRV 2)
Crew: Two pilots, two rescue personnel and the capacity for 24 passengers


Reference

Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45