Submersibles

Submarines or Manned Submersibles have been defined as a non-combatant craft capable of independent operation on and under the water’s surface which has its own propulsion power and a means for direct viewing for the occupants who are in a dry one atmosphere cabin. Manned submersibles have a long history going back hundreds of years and now employ many of the technologies described in this Guide. Today they are primarily used scientific research, exploration and tourism. Major subsystems include the pressure hull, viewing ports, life support systems, exostructure, ballast/trim, propulsion, batteries, and fairings/sail. Operational instrumentation typically includes lights, cameras, sonars, thru water communications, and often a manipulator. Navigation equipment would consist of a pressure sensor, tilt sensor, gyrocompass, Doppler velocity log (DVL), underwater tracking system, altimeter and perhaps an inertial navigation system that would integrate the data from all the other sensors. In addition, mission specific scientific equipment is often added.

The MTS Manned Submersibles Committee web site has a suggested reading list and links to many valuable resources. Also, the out of print classic “Manned Submersibles” by Frank Busby is available on-line here. A comprehensive compilation of American subs by Will Forman is “The History of American Deep Submersible Operations”.

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