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DeSSC UpdateAlvin Upgrade Project

Susan HumphrisPrincipal Investigator

Kurt UetzProject Manager

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DeSSC Update

• A significantly enhanced submersible for the scientific community built in two stages:

• Stage 1 4,500 m Alvin Upgrade: 2012• Stage 2 6,500 m Alvin Upgrade: future scheduling

Project Objectives

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Vehicle CharacteristicsDeSSC Update

Project ObjectiveStage 1 Vehicle

Stage 2 Vehicle

Remarks

6,500 meter depth capability X Stage 1 designs and fabricates select 6,500 meter components (sphere, penetrators, syntactic foam)

Larger personnel sphere, improved interior ergonomics

X 18% increase in interior volume; redesign of observer and pilot seating

Better visibility and overlapping views

X Three 7” forward viewports with overlapping fields of view; two 5” side port

Improved interior electronics X Fiber optic network, touch screen controls, and upgraded observer monitors

Increased science payload X Double the vehicle payload to 400 pounds as well as expand the manipulator work area

Improved lighting and imaging X HD video, publication quality still imaging, and increased lighting output (LED)

Improved data collection, logging, and science interface

X A fiber optic network and upgrades to the data recording and logging systems

Increased bottom time; mid‐water capability

X Requires increased battery capacity

Increased thruster horsepower X Requires increased battery capacityIncreased hydraulic plant capacity X Requires increased battery capacityAutomatic station keeping X Stage 1 includes auto‐heading control

Vehicle Certification:   NAVSEA X Potential double classification with ABS in Stage 2

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UpdatesDeSSC Update

Personnel:Don Peters is the project Chief Engineer and managing the the engineering effort

Descoping:• The project is suspending ABS classification of the vehicle

• Reduces risk in the project related to double classification• The vehicle will continue the Navy certification process

• The project will review systems for witnessing by ABS to maximize the potential for future double classification

• The personnel sphere and LARS will also continue the ABS classification process

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DeSSC Update

NAVSEA Certification:• Weekly program and technical meetings to review certification

progress and expedite resolution of issues• June 8th Hydrostatic Test Readiness Review

• NSF reviewed and authorized pressure testing of the sphere

Personnel Sphere Hydrostatic Test:Planned start: June 20th

Delivery to WHOI: July 6th

Updates

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Personnel Sphere UpdateDeSSC Update

Ready for Hydrostatic Test

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Hydrostatic Test FacilityDeSSC Update

10 ft diameter

Chamber

12,000 psi max pressure

End cap

Northrop Grumman Oceanic Test Facility

Annapolis, MD

DeSSC Jun 12

Hydrostatic TestDeSSC Update

0

1,354

2,708

4,063

5,417

6,771

8,125

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Dep

th (m

sw)

Pres

sure

(psi

g)

Dive Duration, minutes

Dive Profile - Test 3: 1.24 x MOPPressure (Depth) vs. Dive Time

MOP Test 3 1.24 x MOP

10 hour test to 6,500 meters

10 hour test to 6,800 meters

Final test to 8,125 meters

Final Dive Profile

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Blue area: current 60 ft2

Gray area: upgrade 114 ft2

New Capability - Manipulator ReachDeSSC Update

DeSSC Jun 12 133

New Capability - Imaging

Pri Pri

Sci #2Sci #1

S SituationalPri PrimarySci Science Cameras

• File-based image storage to reusable HDD• Long�term data storage• Situational Cameras: HD Video, 2 forward, internal pan and tilt• Primary Cameras: HD Video, 10x zoom (Mini-Zeus)• Science Cam #1: HD Video• Science Cam #2: HD Video + Still Imaging

DeSSC Update

S

SS

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Vehicle LayoutDeSSC Update

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Work in ProgressDeSSC Update

May 2012

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DeSSC UpdateWork in Progress

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Status of Major ComponentsDeSSC Update

• Penetrators:• Fiber optic units delivered and in testing• Electrical units fabricated, preparing for testing

• Foam:• All foam purchased, tested, and accepted• Shaping is in process with several pieces delivered

• Frame:• Front section removed• Fabrication of new section started

DeSSC Jun 12 138

R/V Atlantis StatusDeSSC Update

Launch and Recovery System Schedule

•Increase lift capability to 50,000 pounds

•A-Frame upgrade complete March 2011

•Deliver modified swinging beam to WHOI July 2012

• Shipyard maintenance period Aug – Sept 2012

• Reinstall swinging beam onto A-frame• Complete hangar modifications

•Complete LARS integration October 2012• ABS classify and NAVSEA certify

DeSSC Jun 12

Project TimelineDeSSC Update

139

Toda

y

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Frame Modifications:•Proceeding with fabrication in parallel with NAVSEA reviews

Vehicle NAVSEA Certification:•Completing assembly and testing concurrent with certifying the vehicle for manned operations

R/V Atlantis LARS•Completion of swinging beam modifications in July•Classify through ABS and certify with NAVSEA in time to support November dock trials

Budget:• Any schedule delay will jeopardize completion within budget

Challenges AheadDeSSC Update

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Back to Alvin OperationsDeSSC Update