China has a knack for naming their exploration vehicles. They gave the world the Shenzhou (or "divine vessels") to reach outer space and the Taikonauts to fly them. Now China is planning an ocean exploration program 'equally important' to their space endeavours, including plans to build a sub-sea base station and a manned submersible capable of diving to 7000m by year 2010. So, how do you say "sea dragon" in Mandarin?
You can never have too many deep diving manned submersibles. Less than a dozen vessels I know of are capable of working beyond 1000m depth. Between the Chinese submersible, the Alvin, it's replacement, the Russian MIRs, the French Nautile, and the Japanese Shinkai we'll have maybe 6 manned submersibles capable of diving deep enough to explore ~90% of Earth's seafloor as we enter the next decade. We need more.
The photo above shows the new submersible on display at the ninth China Hi-Tech Fair in October, 2007. Image from People's Daily Online.
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All i can think is it's kinda cute.
How can I get a gig piloting it? My government (Canada) sold off all our manned submersibles (Pisces IV went to HURL in Hawaii), leaving with few choices :)
It's amazing how we know more about the surface of the moon then we do about the oceans depths. Considering how important the oceans are our global climate you'd think we'd have a lot better understanding of oceans rather than distant planets.
Dear Sir,
We have studied in your website regarding subject above. For this matter, we would like inform you that we have project tender shipbuilding of 43m Research Vessel and equipped with Manned Submersible Vessel. Would you please provide inform or send proposal offer of these equipment to us.
For your information, the specification of Manned Submersible as follows :
1. Crew : 1 person and 4 scientist
2. Depth rating : 400 m
3. Collaps depth : 800 m
4. Dive time : up to 18 hour
5. Life support : up to 36 hour
6. Thruster : 1 at end part and 2 at side part
7. Speed : 4 knots at underwater and 10 knots at surface
8. Camera and processor
9. Navigation, communication and Instrumentation : Standard
10. Trailer as craddle.
Should you require more information and assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We are looking forward to hearing your soonest reply and thank you for your cooperation, we remain.
Best regards
Ariyanto
Sales and Marketing
PT. PAL Indonesia (Persero)
Ph. 031 3292275 ext 2130-31
Hp. 081 133 3080
Fax. 031 3292 493
Email ariyanto@pal.co.id
Dear Sir,
We have studied in your website regarding subject above. For this matter, we would like inform you that we have project tender shipbuilding of 42 m Research Vessel and equipped with Manned Submersible Vessel. Would you please provide inform or send proposal offer of these equipment to us.
For your information, the specification of Manned Submersible as follows :
1. Crew : 1 pilot and 4 scientist
2. Depth rating : 400 m
3. Collaps depth : 800 m
4. Dive time : up to 18 hour
5. Life support : up to 36 hour
6. Thruster : 1 at end part and 2 at side part
7. Speed : 4 knots at underwater and 10 knots at surface
8. Camera : hi-res color digital camera.
9. Navigation & Communication : Doppler navigation system, VHF radio, Underwater radio.
10. Sonar : Multibeam imaging sonar range min 55 m.
11. Camera & Prosesor : Modular processor with sonar & camera functions.
12. Standart Instruments : depth gauge, hard tank pressure indicator, air bottle pressure indicator, pressure indicator & flow meter for oxygen, cabin O2 indicator, cabin CO2 indicator with alarm, magnetic compass, longitudinal trim indicator.
13. Light : 2 Hi Intensity lights at side part.
14. Emengency Instrumnet : distrexx signal, emergency bouy, drop weights for quick rise to surface, flood & overpressure valve. escape gear.
15. Trailer as craddle.
Should you require more information and assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We are looking forward to hearing your soonest reply and thank you for your cooperation, we remain.
Best regards
TRIS DHIEMAN
Sales and Marketing
PT. DOK & PERKAPALAN KODJA BAHARI (Persero)
JAKARTA-INDONESIA
Phone. 62-21 4302228, 4302232 ext 510
Mobile. 0816834322
Fax. 62-21 4302240
Email. tris@dokkodjabahari.com
Is there a listing or location I can go to or someone I can be directed to as I am looking for the following:
A list of the available manned submersibles approx 3-5 to go to a depth max of 1000 ft.
Another list of available manned submersibles approx 1-2 to go to a depth max of 5000 ft.
There immediate availability. This is to also include: notation of public vs. private. Est. of cost random number per day.
Thank you for your time.