JFD has completed critical subsea mating exercises, marking a key milestone in the sea acceptance trials of the various assets comprising the second of the two third generation Submarine Rescue Flyaway Systems delivered to the Indian Navy.
Through the course of the trials, JFD carried out multiple dives including underwater mating operations with a bottomed submarine and conducting a safe transfer of personnel from the submarine to the Deep Search and Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), ensuring there is a robust and effective submarine res2cue capability in place.
Throughout the sea trials and acceptance programme for the second system, JFD and the Indian Navy have conducted multiple dives of both the DSRV and the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), in addition to Side Scan Sonar operations, and pressurisation exercises of the Deck Decompression Chambers (DDCs).
Deep dives were conducted to a depth of 805 meters for the ROV and 650 meters for the DSRV, as well as an angled targeted mating exercise carried out at 45 degrees, all of which represent significant ‘firsts’ for the second system.
Following the completion of the sea acceptance trials, JFD said it will work with the Indian Navy to train the crew on the safe operation and maintenance of the system, allowing them to gain vital hands-on experience that will ensure the safe and effective operation of both systems.
Having already completed harbour trials earlier this year, the second system has now completed a full launch deployment, dive and recovery as well as an underwater mating exercise, replicating the operating conditions of a real submarine rescue operation.