By Jules E. BenBenek PhD

INTRODUCTION:

Offshore marine industries, including both commercial and research disciplines, have received many advances in marine equipment technologies from the world’s navies. The military, making significant strides in all areas of intervention, inspection and surveys, have provided a steady stream of advances to the non-military arena from the earliest days of marine exploration to the present day scene.

Technologies such as Side Scan Sonar, ROV, AUV and Manned Submersibles can all be traced back to naval development roots. The most recent contribution, and perhaps the most significant in recent years is the Autonomous Submarine. Submarines started their practical development over 100 years ago. In that time they have provided naval organizations with practical and safe means to conduct submerged operations while being independent of surface support. Utilizing nuclear or diesel engines, submarines have been responsible for cable, pipeline and other submerged structure inspections, hydrographic surveys, marine research, new system testing, in addition to their reputed security and offensive capabilities.

Manned Submersibles represent a diluted form of the autonomous submarine technology. During the 1980s, Manned Submersible use weaned, giving way to emerging ROV technologies. Although the two share similar support ship needs and sea state limitations, ROVs ultimately cost less to operate.

The RS Series Autonomous Inspection and Research Submarine is the first of a line of submarines that is now available outside of the military arena. Used extensively for over 12 years, the 50-foot RS Submarine has proven to be a safe, practical and cost efficient sub-sea platform. Eliminating the need for weather sensitive deployment support ships, the RS Submarine can operate in sea states that would otherwise cause delays in projects utilizing ROV or AUV platforms. Total operating costs are calculated without such support and represent an overall savings approaching 30%, when compared to mid-column working class ROV operations with surface support requirements.

RS SUBMARINE SAFETY:

During the past 10 years ABS and GL have formulated classification rules for engineering, construction and maintenance of Manned Submersibles used in the growing tourist sector. This has created a segment, which over time has proven to be among the safest in the marine vessel industry. To date, over 20 million individuals have boarded tourist submersibles ranging in size from 10 to 60 passengers without incident. The RS Submarines were designed, built and are maintained to these proven and safe industry standards. Due to their classification and compliancy to SOLAS standards, many worldwide underwriters economically and competitively insure The RS Submarines.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:

The RS Submarines open new doors for the researcher and offshore commercial engineer alike. Operations are no longer restricted to a small area on the sea floor per dive session. Up to 6 passengers can be transported to several dive locations in any given day, spending more quality time submerged and engaged in work. Sea State is much less of a factor and price is significantly reduced by the elimination of the costly surface deployment ship. Tasks and phenomenon can be viewed in real time, where rapid judgment and assessment can be made.

Operations such as pipeline and cable inspections can be performed simultaneously with the installation, allowing for corrections to be advised before problems escalate or perhaps even begins. Engineers can efficiently conduct cable suspension assessment and intervention over large areas. The RS Submarine can provide assistance to ROV, Hard Suit and Commercial Diving operations as well. An engineer, who must otherwise wait for the description of the submerged project’s status, can now inspect as the diver works. The generous energy budget of the RS Submarine allows for a variety of hydraulic tools to be used, as in Working Class ROV applications. Hard Suit operators can be transported from one dive site to another without the need to surface and benefit by having an engineer or group of peers in close proximity to assist in documentation or intervention.

Qualified individuals at the target scene can assess projects that are sensitive to marine archeological, environmental and biological issues. Cable and pipeline lays, to name a few, are often hampered by lengthily environmental concerns, and often are challenged or litigated in court. Expert testimony is more acceptable in such cases when real-life evidence is presented, as opposed to remotely acquired data or third party interpretations. Proof of the existence, or as important, proof of the absence of certain marine life, can be more accurately determined by the professional at the dive location, and the reports and testimony generated by this approach are logically given more weight.

The RS Submarine is an ideal platform for naval and security operations. ASW and new system testing can be efficiently performed for a fraction of the cost normally allocated to such tasks. The RS Submarine has 8000kg of reserve buoyancy and therefore is capable of carrying a myriad of bolt-on or internal ancillary equipment. Hydraulics as well as various voltage supplies and computer interface protocols are available for a broad range of applications.

RS SUBMARINE OPERATIONS

In normal operations, the RS Submarine is deployed with all hands, including technicians, engineers and researchers from the pier, and arrives at the dive site utilizing independent and reliable diesel power. The vessel’s 400 Nautical Mile range can be further increased by at-sea refueling if needed. The Submarines are fitted with a snorkel Induction System, which is designed to allow the vessel to transit submerged during rough weather condition, while still capitalizing on the diesel power plant’s range. The Snorkel also proves as an effective stealth component for ASW, coastal and harbor security missions.

The RS Submarines are equipped with a full galley, including refrigeration, stove, sink and a microwave. In addition, a sleeping compartment, head and en-route entertainment provide both comfort and livability to the crew on long missions.

The RS-1 and RS-2 are fitted with both bow and stern thrusters, allowing the vessel to maneuver in their own diameter. Vertical station keeping thrusters, normally recessed in the sail, are hydraulically deployed when accurate altitude positioning is required. A large, 1.1-meter hemispherical view-port in the bow allows several individuals to observe the worksite simultaneously, while a single cupola view hatch on the sail provides complimentary viewing in 180 degrees.

Six function hydraulic manipulator arms are available, and provide one of many means to perform intervention at depth. Additional specialized equipment, both hydraulic and electric can be installed at the request of the clients.

SUMMERY:

Eliminating the need for costly and weather sensitive deployment ships, the RS Submarine has proven itself to be a cost efficient platform when compared to ROV and AUV operations with deployment requirements. Sea state is less of a concern, allowing for the reduced likelihood of weather related project delays.

The RS Submarine represents the most recent and significant military technology to be availed to the civilian market. The culmination of more then 100 years of development, and 12 years of direct offshore applications, assures the reliability, safety and practicality of this tool.

CREDITS:

Dr. Jules E. BenBenek holds Masters Degrees in Nuclear Physics, Optical Sciences, Communications and Engineering as well as Doctorate degrees in Physics, which he received at Harvard University. He is a Life Senior Member of the IEEE Society, The American Society of Ceramics and Glass Technology, American Chemical and American Optical Societies. He was employed 20 years with RCA as Vice President of Research Labs. His projects included Electron and Mass Microscopy Technologies, Radar, Sonar Development, Infrared Lasers and Submarine Ballistic Missile development. He consulted for NASA and other agencies.