Pacific Fleet, under Commander, Submarine Development Group One. Presently configured to conduct extensively deep water acoustic research, oceanic survey work, sensor trials, and engineering evaluations, USS DOLPHIN operated as a Unit of the U.S. Utilizing a large payload (over 12 metric tons) and a highly versatile instrumentation suite, civilian and Naval activities employed USS DOLPHIN for testing a multitude of technologically advanced and complex equipment. Normally the project's sponsor must fund these modifications, but the boat allows a variety of researchers to attain unprecedented flexibility in deep-ocean missions. The boat could be modified both internally and externally to allow the installation of special military and civilian research and test equipment. AS a result of Dolphin's efforts, this new system would be retrofitted into the fleet. One example of this modification for research and development was Dolphin's test run of the Navy's newest sonar system. Shortly after commissioning, Dolphin established an unmatched world depth record for operating submarines, with a recorded test depth in excess of 3,000 feet.īecause Dolphin was designed as a test platform, she could be adapted to accept projects more easily than most operational submarines. Since the boat's commissioning in 1968, she amassed a startling record of scientific and military accomplishments. In August 1969, she launched a torpedo from the deepest depth that one has ever been fired.Įmployed by both Navy and civilian researchers, the submarine was equipped with and extensive and impressive instrumentation suite that can support multiple missions. In November 1968, she set a depth record for operating submarines that still stands. USS DOLPHIN served as a scientific platform capable of operations at unprecedented depths greatly exceeding that of any known operational submarine. USS Dolphin was the Navy's deep diving submarine designed to test advanced submarine structures, sensors, weapons, communications, and machinery systems. Dolphin could also maintain more extensive onboard laboratory facilities than her deep submersible counterparts. She could carry scientific payloads of over 12 tons, a considerably greater capacity than any other deep diving research vessel operating today. USS Dolphin (AGSS 555), homeported at the Naval Research and Development (NRaD) facility in San Diego, was the Navy's only operational, diesel-electric, deep-diving, research and development submarine. With a crew of less than 50 Sailors, Dolphin was smaller than its nuclear-powered counterparts. Among many milestones, the ship launched a torpedo from the deepest depth ever recorded, developed a highly accurate target management system, and achieved the first two-way laser communication between a submarine and an aircraft.Įqual to the submarine's history of research, test, development and evaluation was the ship's nonpareil camaraderie. Dolphin was designed for research, development, test and evaluation and is one of the world's deepest diving submarines with a maximum operating depth in excess of 3,000 ft. The submarine was commissioned in 1968 and was the sixth oldest ship in the fleet. During the underway, the diesel-electric powered test and research submarine made her 1,560th and final dive to a depth exceeding 3,000 ft. USS Dolphin (AGSS 555) completed her final cruise 09 September 2006 when she tied to the pier at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |