Manned deep-sea vehicles are extraordinary tools for feeding the imagination. Allyn Vine, oceanographer and co-designer of the research submersible ALVIN, captured the spirit of manned undersea exploration when he commented in 1956:
"I believe firmly that a good instrument can measure almost anything better than a person can, if you know what you want to measure—but people are so versatile, they can sense things to be done…I find it difficult to imagine what kind of instrument should have been on the Beagle instead of Charles Darwin."
Research Submersible ALVIN
Though still diving, ALVIN, a manned deep-sea submersible that has for over 40 years carried scientists into the depths to witness new species, superheated sea vents, and the Titanic, is passing its torch to a new National Science Foundation submersible. The new and as yet unnamed submersible has itself been on the design board for almost 15 years.
The ALVIN Replacement
The overarching design philosophy for the new sub was to build on ALVIN’s current capabilities without sacrificing any of the abilities that have up till this time made ALVIN one of the world’s premier oceanographic research tools. The new submersible will have to stay within the capacity of Atlantis, the present ALVIN support ship, and her A-frame launch system. Because of these constraints the replacement submersible will weigh 44,000 pounds compared to ALVIN’s 37,000 pounds.
The new submersible will still carry one pilot and two scientists, but it will feature a number of improvements on the present ALVIN’s deep-diving capabilities:
- A nominal depth capacity of 6500 meters, thus providing access to 99% of the world’s ocean floor;
- A variable water ballast system that will increase rates of descent and ascent and allow more bottom time. It will also reduce physical and chemical disturbance to science study areas;
- The vehicle will have the ability to hover in midwater and conduct observations and sampling;
- An increased forward speed in both midwater and near bottom environments;
- Enhanced energy capacity due to a new Lithium ion battery power plant;
- Expanded fields of view, with five viewports providing a 245 degree viewing area. Furthermore, the forward three viewports will provide overlapping fields of view;
- Advanced electronics and a larger science payload;
- The opportunity to install upgraded instruments and sensors and improve safety characteristics;
- The ability to deploy an ultrathin fiber optic cable back to the surface, to facilitate data transmission to the support vessel;
- An improved interior ergonomics due to a slightly larger sphere size and more passenger-friendly layout.
Deep Sea Research
Tentatively scheduled to launch in 2010, this state-of-the-art, deep submergence vehicle will enter the water just as United States oceanography enters a critical phase. Alarms are jangling planet-wide, warning of the ocean’s declining health. With time running out for effective conservation planning, areas of poor understanding—such as the deep ocean—short-circuit humanity’s efforts to protect what viable ecosystems remain. The deep diving ability of the new submersible will allow scientists to observe abyssal mechanics in situ, clarifying the role deep-sea systems play in the planet’s oceanography and ultimately improving mankind's marine conservation efforts.
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