Russian submersibles to be tested in the Atlantic in Oct

15.09.2010 Deepwater trials of Project 16810 Rus and Project 16811 Konsul autonomous submersibles built by Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard will be held in the Atlantic in Oct, said Vladimir Aleksandrov, the shipyard's director general.

"At present, we're finishing the first stage of state trials and preparing for October's expedition in the Atlantic where submersibles will be tested at the depth of 6,000 meters", said Aleksandrov.

According to Aleksandrov, Admiralteyskie Verfi has formed a backlog of orders till 2017; it includes shipbuilding contracts on diesel electric submarines both for Russian Navy and for export. "In 2014-2016 we'll build six submarines for export", Aleksandrov added.

Reference

Project 16810 Rus autonomous submersible was developed late 80's by Malakhit Design Bureau for Marine Engineering (St. Petersburg) by the order of Russian Navy; chief designer is V.G. Markov. The submersible has a spherical-shape titanium strength hull with diameter of 2.1 meters. It is used for search and camera shooting of underwater objects, lifting up to 200 kg, carrying out underwater engineering works by manipulator system, and also for exploration and video filming of sunken ships with the help of tethered unmanned vehicle.

The submersible's weight is 25 tons, length is 8.3 meters, beam is 3.5 meters, height is 3.9 meters, speed is 3.9 knots, submergence depth is 6,000 meters, crew is 2-3 men, operational endurance is 10 hours, emergency endurance is up to 72 hours. Presumably, the submersible dives (surfaces) to the depth of 6,000 meters in 2-3 hours.