Feature 6
of opportunity.
The final phase of the SRDRS
programme - due to be delivered in
2012 - will provide a Transfer Under
Pressure (TUP) capability. TUP will
allow rescued submariners to remain
under pressure during transfer from
the disabled submarine to hyperbaric
treatment chambers aboard a vessel
of opportunity.
The SRDRS will be capable of
providing hyperbaric treatment for
up to 62 rescued personnel at a time,
with repetitive-use capabilities for 155
personnel in total. Current US Navy
systems lack the organic ability to
decompress rescued personnel from a
disabled submarine.
The SRDRS offers several advantages After certifi cation of the SRDRS, the components of the system were fl own to Norway on an
over earlier US Navy rescue systems, Antonov-124 aircraft.
notably a more rapid response time,
elimination of the need for a mother
submarine or dedicated surface support mother submarines and submarine two launch-and-recovery main skid
ship, and more modern, reliable rescue chambers, and consists of four assemblies, and one control van, spares
technology. The SRDRS will also fill the distinct elements: the Assessment/ van, and miscellaneous mission support
gap created by the decommissioning of Underwater Work System (AUWS); equipment and spare parts.
USS Pigeon (ASR 21) and USS Ortolan Submarine Decompression System The interior of the ADS2000 remains
(ASR 22). (SDS); the Pressurised Rescue Module at one atmosphere, allowing the pilot to
Whilst the US Navy’s DSRV can rescue System (PRMS); plus PRMS Mission operate at depths to 2,000ft for extended
survivors under pressure, it cannot Support Equipment, including the periods and return directly to the
transfer them under pressure without Launch and Recovery System (LARS) – surface, without the attendant costs and
a specially designed mother ship with a deck-mounted A-frame crane used to risks associated with decompression.
in-built decompression complex. The launch and recover the PRM. The SDS, The ADS2000 is easily deployed to
two ships mentioned above that had this PRM, LARS and associated generators survey and establish contact with the
capability have now been scrapped and and auxiliaries comprise the Submarine DISSUB, and commence stabilisation
the only means of transferring under Rescue System (SRS). of the DISSUB condition through use
pressure is to use a British ballistic- The AUWS consists of 2,000ft of the ELSS Pod system and/or the
missile nuclear submarine that has a atmospheric diving suits with LARS, Decompression–Ventilation System.
modified forward compartment capable a fly-away sonar, remotely operated The SDS consists of two large
of use as a decompression chamber. vehicles and associated support submarine decompression chambers
SRDRS eliminates the requirement equipment. This is the first system and support equipment. The Deck
for deep-submergence rescue vehicles, mobilised in the event that a submarine Recompression System (DRS) consists
becomes disabled. The system will help of a hyperbaric transfer chamber (HTC),
locate and mark the disabled submarine, a deck transfer lock (DTL), and two
assess surrounding conditions and clear 36-man capacity surface decompression
debris from a submarine’s hatch. chambers (SDCs), into which rescued
The ADS2000 (or HARDSUIT personnel can be transferred under
2000) ADS is the first component of pressure and safely decompressed
the manned rapid AUWS segment of to atmospheric pressure aboard the
the SRDRS. The ADS2000 provides a rescuing surface ship. This system will
rapid-response capability for localisation be located on the vessel of opportunity,
and assessment, and emergency life and provide controlled decompression
support stores (ELSS) replenishment. for personnel that have escaped or been
Artist’s concept showing the SRDRS-RCS, The dual redundant ADS2000 system rescued from the disabled submarine.
which is launched and controlled from the consists of two ADS2000 atmospheric The PRMS is required to recover
deck of a vessel of opportunity. diving suits depth rated to 610m, and rescue personnel from a disabled
Warship Technology October 2008 55
WT_Oct08_p54+55+58+60.indd Sec1:55 10/10/08 1:19:45 PM
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