mersibles. A submersible opcnator. however, also needs efficient 

 manipulators and tools for undersea operations, more varsatile ballast 

 systems, and improved electrical and signal transmission circuits. 



An integrated group of underwater tools is being developed in the 

 USN Work Systems Package Project. The tools are to be packaged in a 

 modular system, providing for quick installation. The system will be 

 compatible both structurally and electrically with the manned and un- 

 manned submersibles Sen Cliff. Turt/e. Alvin. Curv III. and RUWS. 

 Moreover, it can be operated by a diver or. remotely, from a surface sup- 

 port ship. 



The system is capable of completing a full work task without resur- 

 facing. The tool storage box can hold over 15 different tool bits. These 

 bits can be interchanged during underwater operations. A combination 

 of high- and low-velocity reciprocating and rotating motions provide the 

 force for the tool bits to perform their various functions. Support func- 

 tions include sophisticated electronics and power mechanisms. The 

 system will be used in specialized activities concerned with recovery, 

 salvage, research, underwater construction, and other deep-ocean opera- 

 tions. The versatility of the package affords adaptability in operations 

 involving other equipment such as salvage ships, recovery ships, deep- 

 diving equipment, manned or unmanned submersibles. and LOSS. 



For a deep-diving submersible to operate effectively in the ocean en- 

 vironment, an effective buoyancy control system is needed. The most 

 effective way to compensate for changes in vehicle buoyancy while div- 

 ing is to use seawater in a variable ballast system. A USN project to 

 develop such a system is now underway. This effort, in addition to pro- 

 viding a more flexible and operationally versatile system, is expected to 

 result in information that can be used to improve other hydraulic 

 systems with seawater as the working fluid. 



The program has been conducted in two phases, the first terminating 

 with a system having a maximum operational depth of 12.000 feet. This 

 was installed in the submersible A]vin and is operating satisfactorily. 

 The second program phase involves the development and testing of a 

 direct seawater-pumping system for operational depths to 20.000 feet. A 

 second phase variable buoyancy system is now in use as a prototype test 

 bed. Plans have been made to utilize it in the evaluation of components 

 and characteristics of other deep-ocean technology systems, such as 

 electric drive mechanisms. The buoyancy system, itself, is also undergo- 

 ing continuing evaluation. 



Fiber optics technology has become a promising candidate to replace 

 metallic wire conductors in many Navy applications. Technical ad- 

 vances have already resulted in the reduction of signal attenuation in 

 fiber optics from over 1.000 db/km to the recently achieved attenuation 

 factor of under 4 db/km. Current research efforts are aimed at develop- 

 ing a general set of fiber optic components. These would include 



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