Accession Number:

AD0753195

Title:

Buoyancy Transport Vehicle (BTV)-A Technical Evaluation

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Aug 1970-Mar 1972

Corporate Author:

NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CA

Personal Author(s):

• Hallanger, L. W.

Report Date:

1972-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

34.0

Abstract:

The potential utility of the Buoyancy Transport Vehicle BTV as a tool for diver construction work was evaluated. The BTV consists of a spherical variable-buoyancy tank surrounded by an aluminum pipe frame which supports the load-lifting hook, ballasting subsystem, and propulsion subsystem. It is roughly 6 by 8 by 6 feet high, has an 850-foot operating depth, a 1,000-pound payload capacity, an air weight of 1,800 pounds, and normally requires a two-man operating crew. The test program included determining basic vehicle performance plus load-handling and load-placement capabilities. Surface support and maintenance requirements were also considered. The test results indicate the Buoyancy Transport Vehicle to be effective for use in construction and salvage jobs where the diver must move large loads and precisely position them on the ocean bottom.

Descriptors:

• *UNDERWATER VEHICLES
• BUOYANCY
• EFFICIENCY
• MANEUVERABILITY
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• POSITIONING DEVICES(MACHINERY)
• SCUBA DIVERS
• UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT
• UNDERWATER PROPULSION

Subject Categories:

• Marine Engineering

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE