Decompression of Internal Pressure of Submarine ATmosphere (DIPSAT) System for Distressed Submarines

It is critical for the US Navy to ensure the safety of submarine crewmembers by enabling their escape and rescue in the case of a distressed submarine (DISSUB). It is possible that the internal atmospheric pressure could be increased up to 5X during a DISSUB scenario; currently, there is no method to lower that internal pressure. ADA Technologies proposes a method to decrease that internal pressure, thereby increasing the chance of survival by crewmembers. The Decompression of Internal Pressure of Submarine ATmosphere (DIPSAT) System will over-pressurize and subsequently vent gas from the DISSUB. The DIPSAT system will have the ability to be man-powered, in the case of no available onboard electricity. The proposed effort will leverage the high-pressure gas storage and delivery system design experience of the ADA team with the experience of the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems division, as well as the extensive experience of DOER Marine Operations, an underwater technology company. During the Phase I Base Period, we will design the DIPSAT system and perform a small-scale demonstration of the concept. In the Option Period, if awarded, we will design and demonstrate the manually-powered compression system with the DIPSAT system.