China’s new manned submersible ShenhaiYongshi prepares for sea-trials. (Image from english.cas.cn)

China’s new manned submersible, named ShenhaiYongshi, or deep-sea warrior, equipped with an excellent acoustic system, was officially delivered to its client on Dec 1, and will serve marine scientific research for the next 30 years.

The new manned submersible is able to reach a depth of 4,500 meters. The acoustic system of the submersible, developed by the Institute of Acoustics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, played an important role during the development and sea-trials of the submersible.

Statistically, 95% of ShenhaiYongshi is made in China. Key domestic components such as the manned cabin, underwater acoustic communication system and acoustic Doppler velocity log show advanced performance and stable technical conditions. This indicates that China has made great progress in deep-sea manned submersible technology and equipment manufacturing, enabling the country to research and manufacture such vessels independently.

"The submersible ShenhaiYongshi has set a solid foundation for the development of China’s own 10,000 meters manned submersible," said Ye Cong, director of underwater engineering R&D in the China Ship Scientific Research Center.

A 10,000 meters manned submersible is currently under construction and is set for explorations in the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench in 2020, according to Ye, its chief designer.

Source: english.cas.cn