NATO’s Submarine Rescue System

SRV1 on Harstad(click to view full) A new submarine rescue system, owned jointly by France, Norway and the UK, has completed trials off the coast of Norway. The “SRV1” system is managed by the UK MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support team on behalf of the 3 nations. When in service it will be managed by In Service Submarines Integrated Project Team, and based at Faslane on the Clyde. Like its predecessor, the “SRV1” can be loaded into aircraft for fast response. Once it is declared operational, the existing LR5 rescue submersible and Scorpio remotely operated vehicle will leave operational service, and SRV1 will provide future rescue capability at an expected whole-life cost of GBP 157 million over 30 years. The system consists of a free-swimming rescue vehicle with an A-frame portable launch and recovery system, a transfer-under-pressure facility to safely decompress personnel from a pressurised submarine, and an intervention system for survey and rescue preparation… “SRV1” is designed and built by Perry Slingsby System Ltd of Kirkbymoorside. It will have a crew of 2 pilots and an attendant, can rescue 15 people at a time and will normally operate a 4-hour cycle, with an expected cycle of no more than […]