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20. strength of 50,000 pounds. The wet connector is capable of repeated underwater 

 mating by divers, remotely operated actuators, or submersibles with manipulators. Increased 

 performance in depth, strength, or power would require a simple extension of the design, 

 although any significant increase in transmission voltage levels would require further 

 development. These connectors were evaluated in a series of pressure-vessel and open-sea 

 tests to depths of 6,000 feet. The final configuration performed with no electrical or 

 mechanical degradation after 33 matings at depth. Sustained immersion and power 

 tests for one year at 600 feet and in the tidal zone confirmed the endurance of the designs. 

 This development is the first demonstration of a capability for underwater mating of major 

 electrical/mechanical components of sea-floor structures. 



UNCLASSIFIED 



