[dragoon500ly]

1 Nuclear-propelled Research Submersible, NR-1-class: Displacement: 366tons surf/393 tons subm; Speed: 4.5kts surf/3.5kts subm; Crew: 13. Armament: None

Built as a test platform for a small submarine nuclear power plant, but often employed as a deep-ocean research and recovery vehicle. Employed extensively in nonnaval scientific and historical research activities.

NR-1

1 Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, Mystic-class: Displacement: 37 tons. Speed: 4kts. Crew: 3 +24 rescuees

The DSRVs were developed after the loss of the submarine THRESHER in 1963 to provide the capability for rescuing survivors from submarines disabled on the ocean floor above their hull crush depth. The DSRV design provides a long-range, all-weather rescue capability. The MYSTIC is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2005. The AVALON has been inactive since 2000 and is scheduled for disposal.

DSRV-1 Mystic; DSRV-2 Avalon

1 Research Submersible, Alvin-class: Displacement: 16 tons; Speed: 2 kts; Crew: 3; Armament: None

The ALVIN is operated by the Woods hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts for the Office of Naval Research.

DSV-2 Alvin

1 + 0 + 5 Advanced SEAL Delivery Systems: Displacement: 55 tons; Speed: 8 knots; Range: 125+nm (230+km); Crew: 2 + 8 SEALS; Armament: None.

These are advanced SDVs that can carry SEALs in a dry environment, providing a “lock-out” capability. Each of the four SSGNs can carry two ASDS vehicles. The attack submarines CHARLOTTE and GREENEVILLE each can carry a single ASDS.

ASDS-1 (Operational); ASDS-2 (Planned); ASDS-3 (Planned); ASDS-4 (Planned); ASDS-5 (Planned); ASDS-6 (Planned).

Estimated 15 SEAL Delivery Vehicles, Mark VIII: These are older SDVs that can be carried into forward areas in dry dock shelter hangers fitted to attack or special operations submarines. These SDVs can “wet” carry 8 SEALs wearing individual self-contained breathing apparatus, one of whom pilots the vehicle.

6 Dry Deck Shelters: These are used to house SEAL Delivery Vehicles and swimmers, each can accommodate a single SDV or 20 SEALs. They are mounted on the after decks of specially configured SSNs/SSGNs, the former carrying one DDS and the latter carrying two DDS. The submarines retain their full suite of weapons and sensors, although there is some loss of speed, but they have special fittings, modifications to their air systems, and other features to enable them to carry the DDSs. The DDS can be used to transport an SDV or to “lock out” SEALs. Each DDS weighs 30 tons and features a lock out chamber built into its forward end, with hatches to the hanger portions of the DDS and to connect to the submarine’s after escape trunk.

Five LOS ANGELES-class submarines have been converted to support a DDS: LOS ANGELES; PHILADELPHIA; DALLAS; LA JOLLA and BUFFALO. In addition, submarines of the VIRGINIA-class and the special mission submarine JIMMY CARTER will be configured to carry a single DDS.