Release date: 27 November 2018

JFD successfully completes milestone transportability trials for third generation submarine rescue system

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JFD, the world leading underwater capability provider serving the commercial and defence diving markets and part of James Fisher and Sons plc, has successfully completed air transportability trials for the first of two Third Generation submarine rescue systems being delivered to the Indian Navy.

The completion of the trials represents a significant milestone in the delivery of a comprehensive submarine rescue capability to the Indian Navy that will enhance safety for submariners.

Limiting Time To First Rescue (TTFR) is crucial to conducting a successful submarine rescue operation. This relies on the fast and effective air deployment of the submarine rescue system to the Mother Ship (MOSHIP) that will host the system, enabling the equipment to be on site as quickly as possible. As part of the ongoing delivery of the Third Generation submarine rescue system to the Indian Navy, JFD conducted the comprehensive aircraft loading trials to fully ensure the effective air transportability of the system, and that the TTFR is as quick as possible.

The trials were performed in conjunction with the Indian Air Force, using the Ilyushin-76 transport aircraft. The trials proved the functionality of the ground handling equipment provided by JFD successfully integrating with the IL-76, allowing for the safe loading and unloading of all elements of the submarine rescue system.

Giovanni Corbetta, JFD Managing Director, commented:

“JFD is pleased to have successfully completed the air transportation trials of the first Indian Navy DSRV System, working in close partnership with the Indian Navy Submarine Rescue Team West and the Indian Air Force to achieve this key milestone in the journey to a fully comprehensive submarine rescue capability. The trials have proven the compatibility of the newly inducted submarine rescue system with the Indian Air Force IL-76 Transporters, and the rapid response and deployment capability provides in support of disabled submarine rescue operations at sea. The fact that the transportation equipment is an embedded part of the rescue system is unique and ensures the compatibility and availability of the loading equipment aligns with the rest of the rescue system.

The active participation of the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue team throughout the trials is key to conducting safe and efficient mobilisation operations in support of submarine rescue to allow them the ability to respond effectively to an emergency when a submarine is in distress.”

JFD performed the trials to demonstrate the air transportability of the entire Deep Search and Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) system, including the ability to load the custom ground handling equipment at origin and unload it at the final destination. The mobilisation plans designed by JFD for the Indian Navy system utilise a variety of equipment load combinations to maximise the capacity of each transport plane and ensure a minimal TTFR.

The air transportation trials follow the sea trials of the DSRV for the first of the two third generation systems being delivered to the Indian Navy.

In a statement on social media, the Indian Navy said it now “joins a select league of nations with capability to search, locate and provide rescue to distressed submarines by induction of 1st Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel and associated kit in fly away configuration which can be rapidly mobilised. The DSRV can be mobilised from the naval base in Mumbai to the nearest mounting port by air/land or sea for providing rapid rescue to the submarine in distress.”

Under the £193m contract, JFD is delivering two complete third-generation submarine rescue systems, including launch and recovery systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, logistics and support equipment, and a 25-year all-inclusive annual maintenance contract.