The System
- The system comprises an undercasing encapsulated life raft and
an innovative, yet simple, deployment system. The system can be
deployed at depth or with the submarine surfaced.
- Once released the self righting life raft is tethered to the
submarine via a weak link. The life raft also houses a radio/gps
location signal beacon.
- The system only requires a single, small, hull penetration for
operation.
Key Features
- Directly replaces the existing indicator buoy system but with
the added functionality of a life raft.
- Activation by a single crew member.
- Deploys at any depth from deep dive up to submarine on
surface.
- Self contained system not reliant on external power source
provided by the submarine.
- Deployment results in life raft floating on surface attached by
taut tether to Submarine.
- Can be retro-fitted at any convenient position on top side of
Submarine under casing.
- Foot print for 35 man life raft container is 1500 mm square by
1300 mm deep.
- Parametric design enables customer to select a SOLAS approved
life raft with capacity from 1 person to 60 persons (constraints in
space under casing may restrict size of life raft).
- Designed to survive all the environmental extremes encountered
by equipment mounted under casing on the submarines of todays
navies.
Function of the Life Raft
- The life raft is self-righting once fully inflated and provides
a safe haven for the crew.
- Once the raft has surfaced, it acts as an emergency beacon,
transmitting the location of the crew to rescuers.
Operation
- The life raft is released from either the inside of the
submarine, using existing indicator buoy release systems, or by a
casing mounted release handle.
Safety Compliance
- The life raft fully complies with:-
- NATO standards
- Applicable SOLAS regulations
- Life Saving Appliance Code
- Mechanical Safety Devices prevent the life raft from being
deployed prematurely.
Life Raft Communication System GPS & Indicator
Buoy
- An accurate, watertight signal beacon automatically transmits
COSPAS/SARSAT system with longitude and latitude coordinates, and
acts as an accurate indicator buoy for rescue.
Maintenance
- The system is easily maintained and accessible due to our focus
on simplicity and design for support
- The life raft is maintained by a SOLAS approved service
station.
- No special tools or specialist contractor support is necessary
for maintaining the system.
- Training will be provided to local SOLAS service and submarine
crews such that they are able to fully maintain the
system.
Deployment
The system is deployed in four steps:
- The decision is made to deploy and the release mechanism is
activated.
- Casing cover released, retaining strap released and life raft
container system armed. Container floats to surface if underwater
due to its buoyancy. If Submarine is already surfaced the container
will stay in its cradle.
- Container ejects life raft as a sensor detects that it has
reached the surface. The life raft is ejected from the container
and inflated. When on the surface the container is held in its
cradle and the life raft ejected out whilst pushing the casing
cover aside. The life raft remains tethered to the submarine.
- The life raft inflates and the signal beacon activates and
starts broadcasting. When the Submarine is surfaced the life raft
is still capable of remaining tethered. A weak link on the tether
releases if the depth of the Submarine is more than the tether
length. The crew can then enter the life raft.