94 



The deep ocean technology (DOT) program which is inckided in 

 the 1968 budget will advance the development of technology leading 

 toward the occupation and exploitation of the deep ocean. As I noted 

 earlier, this program was singled out as the single DOD area of 

 emphasis in the President's report to Congress on the national marine 

 science program. Problems to be studied include the development of 

 fuel cell powerplants as a prime mover for deep-diving submersibles. 

 The cells are expected to provide for quiet, reliable, long-endurance 

 operation of small, highly maneuverable vehicles. The program envi- 

 sioned will provide for an operational fuel cell powerplant for deep 

 submersible application within 3 years from the initiation of the 

 effort. Further, since present submersibles are propelled by electric 

 motors, which are all either encapsulated or unreliable, the develop- 

 ment of reliable submersible motors is mandatory and will be an 

 initial effort of DOT. 



The Curv, which you will recall as the unmanned vehicle which 

 attached the recovery line in the Palomares operation, is now being 

 reengineered to increase its depth capability almost threefold, to 

 7,000 feet. Later in the DOT program, a 26,000-foot Curv will be 

 developed. 



For operations at great depth, materials having a high strength to 

 weight ratio are needed and massive glass is considered to be a major 

 contender in this area. Glass may be suitable for flotation material or 

 as hull material if problems associated with attachments and pene- 

 trations can be overcome. 



The advanced development of tandem propeller propulsion plants 

 will enhance the maneuverability so vital to deep submersibles in 

 near-bottom operations. 



The development of sea-water hydraulic systems to provide for 

 improved reliability of deep ocean machinery and vehicles is also a 

 longer term goal of the DOT program. 



Engineering studies are being conducted to determine the feasibility 

 and problems associated with the development of a one- atmosphere 

 sea bottom habitat at 6,000 feet. Associated with these studies is the 

 development of facilities for handling loads up to 150 tons in the deep 

 ocean and the development of explosive anchoring devices for securing 

 these sea bottom emplacements. Development of a sea bottom habitat 

 or deep ocean laboratory will provide for substantial improvement 

 in the broad technology of ocean engineering and facilitate the devel- 

 opment and testing of equipment to further extend our capability in 

 the ocean. 



OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS 



Oceanographic operations will continue in support of fleet opera- 

 tions and research and development. Oceanographic and hydrographic 

 survey operations in support of Vietnam are particularly necessary to 

 provide services (data, nautical and combat charts, and publications) 

 for the specialized needs of amphibious operations, mine warfare, and 

 inshore/river patrol activities as well as for the massive logistic sup- 

 port by the merchant marine. We now have five ships assigned to these 

 surveys. 



The large hydrographic, oceanographic and geophysical surve}^ pro- 

 grams which have supported strategic deterrence forces such as 



