with the submersible. Proper selection of 

 such a platform is critical to the effective- 

 ness of the submersible system. 



Launch/Retrieval Apparatus 



Unless the submersible is too large for 

 launch/retrieval at sea, an apparatus is re- 

 quired to deploy and retrieve it after each 

 dive. Four basic methods may be utilized. 

 One is a device to attach to and lift the 

 vehicle out of the water, such as a crane. The 

 second involves deballasting a submersible 

 platform onto which the submersible is ma- 

 neuvered. Third is the mechanical hoisting of 

 an elevator platform attached to a surface 

 vessel. A fourth approach involves the 

 mother submarine concept in which the sub- 

 mersible is launched or retrieved and trans- 

 ported by a completely submerged platform. 

 In the event of external repairs or mainte- 

 nance to the submersible, the mother subma- 

 rine may be required to surface. 



Tracking and Navigation 



While the submersible is submerged, a 

 method of tracking from the support plat- 

 form is required to locate it, to clear the area 

 for surfacing, and to join with the vehicle 

 after the dive. If the mission requires know- 

 ing precisely where the submersible was, 

 such as surveying, a method of geodetic posi- 

 tioning is necessary. This might be served 

 through the tracking system if the support 

 platform maintains a running log of its own 

 and the submersible's relative position, or it 

 may be an in situ navigation network by 

 which the vehicle itself maintains a real-time 

 display and record of its underwater posi- 

 tion. 



THE DEEP QUEST 

 SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEM 



To demonstrate one manufacturer's ap- 

 proach to meeting the constraints and re- 



F,g 2 4 a) The submers.ble system DEEP QUEST (LMSC); b) Schematic ol DEEP QUEST as desighed with potehtial diver lockout compartment and transfer bell (LMSC) 



20 



