Military Programs 



salvage mission. For this purpose, Deep Submergence Search Vehicles 

 (DSSV's) are being designed capable of operating at a depth of 20,000 

 feet for about 30 hours and lifting objects which weigh 250 lbs. 



The Large Object Salvage System Project is intended to provide a system 

 capable of recovering large objects, including intact submarine hulls, from 

 depths down to 850 feet. Efforts have thus far been limited to feasibility 

 studies, development of lift hardware, and coordination with SEALAB 

 experiments. An advanced development effort will not be funded in FY 

 1970, but exploratory development will continue. 



The Man-in-the-Sea Project is directed toward developing new equip 

 ment to permit man to live and work underwater. Both private industry and 

 the Navy are developing the equipment and techniques by which divers can 

 work in the sea longer, at greater depths, with better tools and increased 

 safety. The goals of accomplishing useful work by increasing diver capa- 

 bilities, communications, and visibility at 600 feet — then 850 feet and 

 eventually at least 1 ,000 feet — were brought nearer by such developments as : 

 — SEALAB III, utilizing saturated-diving techniques, will begin early 

 in 1969 at a depth of 600 feet, off San Clemen te Island (Figure V-1 ) ; 



Figure V-1 — The SEALAB III habitat is shown in its final stages of fabrication, with 

 the spools which will hold the life support umbilical cables extending to the right. 

 SEALAB III experiments, scheduled to begin off San Clemente Island, Calijornia, in 

 early 1969, will extend man's capability to work underwater to a depth of 600 feet. 



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