Function: Deep submergence rescue vehicle.





History: 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.





Description: The primary mission of the DSRV is to provide a quick reaction, worldwide, all-weather capability to rescue personnel from submerged, disabled submarines (DISSUB) of the U.S. Navy or foreign navies at depths up to 2000 feet. The maximum operating depth is approximately 5000 feet. Mystic can be transported by truck, aircraft, surface ship, or on a mother submarine. For a rescue operation, it can dive, locate the DISSUB, and attach itself to the DISSUB's rescue seat. After the DSRV is properly attached to the submarine, the DISSUB's access hatches are opened and submarine personnel can directly the DSRV. The DSRV then detaches from the submarine and transfers the rescued personnel to the support ship.





General Characteristics, DSRV



Builders:

Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Sunnyvale, CA





Power Plant:

Electric motors, silver/zinc batteries,

1 shaft, 15 shaft horsepower, 4 thrusters, 7.5 horsepower





Length, Overall:

49 feet (14.94 meters)







Beam:

8 feet (2.44 meters)





Displacement:

38 long tons (38.61 metric tons)





Speed:

4 kts (4.6 mph, 7.40 kph)





Maximum Operating Depth:

5,000 feet (1524 meters)





Crew:

2 pilots, 2 rescue personnel and capacity for 24 passengers







Sonar:

Deep submergence obstacle avoidance sonar (DSOAS): 27 kHz, (8,000 yard range)



Downward looking sonar (DLS): Sonar for hatch mating 500 kHz (600 ft. range)



Altitude/depth sonar(A/D): 24 kHz SONAR 0-5,000 ft. range)



UQC, 8 kHz, Voice and CW (ATM 504)



Directional listening hydrophone tuned to 3.5 kHz



Side looking sonar (installed for alternate mission), 1 ft. resolution, 183 kHz; maximum range 1200 ft. either side (2400 ft. total)



Equipment:

One gripper/cutter designed to clear debris from hatch; capable of cutting steel cable and lifting 1000 lbs.











Ships:

Mystic (DSRV-1) deployed 1970

Avalon (DSRV-2) deployed 1971