510 DIETZ [CHAP. 23 



the Reynolds Aluminum and Metals Co. is scheduled for completion in 1961. 

 As described by Wenk et al. (1960): "it appears feasible to build an oceano- 

 graphic research submarine of aluminum alloys that can operate at 15,000 ft 

 depth with safety, mobility, range and an instrumentation payload to satisfy 

 even the most demanding research mission. . . . Such a vehicle . . . would set 

 the stage for an entirely new generation of deep-diving submarines with un- 

 limited implications for exploration and utilization of the sea and its resources". 



Resembling in gross outline a miniature submarine, the Aluminaut will have 

 a 50-ft overall length and a 10-ft beam. The manned pressure hull will be a 

 6-in. thick aluminum-alloy-stiffened cylinder, 33 ft long and 7 ft in diameter. 

 Since the selected aluminum alloy cannot be welded, the ring sections of the 

 hull will be bolted and bonded together. The craft will have a displacement of 

 75 tons and an excess of buoyancy of 23 tons over primary hull weight. Silver- 

 zinc cells have been tentatively selected to provide the entire power require- 

 ments. A maximum speed of 4.8 knots with a total range of 100 miles is con- 

 templated. 



To ensure adequate freeboard for surface handling, controlled positive or 

 negative buoyancy for diving, and metacentric stability, a combination of 

 three different ballast systems will be used. These systems will employ water 

 and steel shot for normal operations and a jettisonable lead keel for emergency 

 ascent. The hull will be less compressible than sea-water, allowing a stable 

 descent. Since the boat will actually become lighter with depth, the Aluminaut 

 will have the almost legendary capability (in folk-lore wrecks sink only part way 

 to the sea bed) of remaining suspended in equilibrium at some mid-depth. 



For tight maneuverability, a swiveling propeller and rudder will be installed. 

 Constant depth will be achieved with stern planes, ballast and a vertical 

 propeller. To avoid penetrating the pressure hull with a rotating shaft, the 

 electric propulsion motors will be externally mounted and bathed in a non- 

 conducting fluid. In fact, an entire stern capsule will be filled with silicone oil 

 which will be pressure-equalized to the sea. 



Although capable of cruising directly out of port for moderate distances, it 

 seems more likely that the Aluminaut will be transported to the dive site 

 aboard a mother ship or towed at speeds up to 10 knots. Once on station, the 

 crew of three will dive the craft under power, reaching maximum depth in 

 90 min. The boat will then cruise along the bottom making various oceano- 

 graphic measurements with its 2-ton payload of scientific instruments. Visual 

 studies will also be possible through two truncated conical plastic windows 

 mounted in the bow. 



6. Deep-Research Vessel (D.R.V.) 



Another deep oceanographic craft under design study by Firth Pierce and 

 colleagues at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California, 

 is the D.R.V. or Deep-Research Vessel. Fig. 8 explains fairly well its tentative 

 design as currently conceived. An ammonia solution (55%) is used in place of 



