Deep Submergence Vehicles are deep diving subs that are self propelled. The term DSV is generally one used by the United States Navy.
The US Navy has two types of DSVs in its inventory, the research DSVs, used for exploration, and surveying, and the DSRVs (Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle), used for rescue of downed submarines and clandestine missions.
Bathyscaphs are not submarines, in that they have lower mobility, and are built like a balloon, using a liquid hydrocarbon float.
Alvin, seconded to NOAA Woods Hole National Oceanographic Center, is to be replaced with a super Alvin class of DSVs, approaching the depth capabilities of the Trieste class vessels, but with enhanced mobility, and with more manipulation tools as compared to the Alvin class .
List of DSVs
Trieste class bathyscath
- "DSV-0" Trieste - the bathyscaphe that reached Challenger Deep, retired 1966, also called X-1 Trieste [1]
- DSV-1 Trieste II - an updated bathyscathe (or bathyscaph) design, retired 1984, also called X-2 Trieste II [2] [3]
Alvin class submarine
- DSV-2 Alvin - a deep diving sub, reaching only half as deep as the two Triestes [4]
- DSV-3 Turtle - Alvin's identical sibling, retired 1998, USN [5]
- DSV-4 Sea Cliff - another Alvin class DSV sub, retired 1998, USN [6]
- DSV-5 Nemo - another Alvin class DSV sub, retired 1998, USN [7]
Nerwin class DSVN
- NR-1 Nerwin - nuclear powered research DSV sub [8]
Aluminaut
- Aluminaut - a DSV made completely of aluminum by the Reynolds Aluminum Company, for the US Navy, once held the submarine deep diving record [9]
Mystic class submarine
- DSRV-1 Mystic - still on active service [10]
- DSRV-2 Avalon - still on active service [11]
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