Design Considerations for Deep Submersible Vehicles

The U S. Navy is currently designing and developing a deep submergence search vehicle which will be capable of search, work, and exploration of the ocean floor to depths of 20,000 ft.

This paper discusses the influence of mission requirements and operational constraints on vehicle design. The effects on vehicle weight, endurance, and depth are examined against various design parameters, such as pressure capsule configuration, material, buoyancy, power sources, etc.