35-ton deep-submergence rescue vehicle

The People's Republic of China developed a class of 35-ton deep-submergence rescue vehicle^[1][3] (DSRV) for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It was first tested in 1986^[2] and operational in 1989.^[1]

Class overview
Operators	People's Liberation Army Navy
Succeeded by	LR7
In service	1989 - present[1]
Completed	At least 2[2]
Active	2[2]
General characteristics
Type	Deep-submergence rescue vehicle
Displacement	35 tons[1] (full)[3]
Length	14.9 metres (49 ft)[2]
Beam	2.6 metres (8 ft 6 in)[2]
Installed power	2 x silver-zinc batteries[2]
Propulsion	1 shaft[2]
Speed	4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph)[2]
Endurance	20 hours at 2 knots[3]
Capacity	Six[2] or 22 survivors[1][3]
Crew	3[2]
Sensors and processing systems	Active sonar[2]

The DSRV may perform a rescue at depths up to 200 metres (660 ft). Six^[2] or 22 survivors could be carried.^[1][3] This suited contemporary PLAN submarines which deployed infrequently and typically to coastal waters.^[1]

The submarine may also perform salvage work. It has a manipulator arm and a diving chamber for six divers.^[3]

See also

• Type 925 submarine support ship, used as motherships for these DSRVs.

References

1. Bussert, James C. (December 2003). "Chinese Submarines Pose a Double-Edged Challenge". AFCEA International. Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
2. Saunders 2015, p. 159.
3. Wertheim 2013, p. 114.

Sources

• Saunders, Stephan, ed. (2015). Jane's Fighting Ships 2015-2016. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0710631435.
• Wertheim, Eric (2013). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems (16 ed.). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1591149545.