Russian Defense Ministry to Equip Rescue Ship Igor Belousov with Two-Seat Submersibles
The Igor Belousov, currently under construction, will have two ARS-600 two-seat submersibles, designed to perform an array of functions, including search, rescue and salvage of submarines in distress.
The Russian Defense Ministry decided in 2011 to equip the ship with a deep-sea diving system produced by Scottish firm DIVEX, which will be delivered, installed, and tested by experts from a Russian company, Tetis Pro. At present, all Russian fleets have British-built Panther Plus and Tiger submersibles in service.
Construction of the Igor Belousov started in 2005 at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg but has faced a series of setbacks.
General characteristics of Project 22020 rescue ship Igor Belousov:
Length (on designed waterline) – 97.8m
Beam (on designed waterline) – 17.2m
Amidships depth – 10.6m
Displacement – 50.37m
Full speed – 15 knots
Seaworthiness, Beaufort force:
- idle navigation: unlimited
- lowering/lifting of deep-sea rescue vehicle: 3-4
- lowering/lifting of diving bell: 5
Cruising range at total fuel capacity, nautical miles: 3,500
Life-support endurance, days:
- for crew: 30
- for rescued people: 10
Crew, men: 96
Accommodation capacity, men: 120 (including 60 in pressure chambers)
Navigation equipment: automated navigation system, navigation underwater sound system, hydrometeorological facilities
Hydroacoustic equipment: search sonar, underwater communication sonar, navigation sonar, hydrology measuring facilities
Optoelectronic detection equipment: multifunctional optoelectronic and television system.
[mappress]
Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 30, 2012; Image: admship
