With the successful overhaul of the MIR-1 and MIR-2 in 2004, the MIR submersibles are starting a new life and awaiting future adventures and discoveries. The MIR-1 and MIR-2 completed successful drives at 6,170 and 6,120 meters' depth, respectively, from aboard the RV Akademic Mstislav Keldysh, in 1987, commemorating the first manned dive at such great depths. Key design features, which drew the attention of scientists and underwater experts, were the use of vehicles from aboard one ship, the high power of the batteries, large central view ports, small dimensions, and high maneuverability under water. The latest overhaul was provided by Russian Aero-Space Agency FAKEL, located in Kaliningrad, Russia. The MIR's pressure hulls were sandblasted and separated into two hemispheres for cleaning, inspections and penetrating paint and magnetic particle tests after which they were bolted and tested in a high-pressure chamber at the Krylov Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. Doppler logs were also added to a standard-baseline navigating system, which along with the data acquisition systems, was connected to a miniature computer. These upgraded MIR vehicles have become real international vehicles used for science, education, culture, and special technical underwater operations.
A new birth for the MIR-1 and MIR-2 submersibles
Generalüberholung der Tiefseetauchboote MIR-1 und MIR-2
Sea Technology ; 45 , 12 ; 27-33
2004
7 Seiten
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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