OUTER “COMMAND” CHAMBER

The LSRC design places nearly all control functions in the outer chamber. This arrangement will give the senior survivor complete control of the capsule from a single location (See Figure 19). Although the “command chamber” has only one row of seating, it may accommodate up to seven men. Located beneath the seats are signal flares (water dyes, smoke grenades etc.), first aid kits, water, food rations, ventilation sumps and blankets. Located in the outboards between stiffeners are the liquid oxygen tanks, atmosphere monitoring equipment, communications handsets (i.e. IC, SATCOM and radio), the MMT and ejection control panel, the dewatering, ventilation and lighting control panel, ventilation and decompression control valves, depth and pressure gauges, and system operating manuals and/or plates. The only control valves not

26If the access tunnel arrangement in Figure 11 is used, the submarine access hatch may be located anywhere.

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accessible to crewmembers in the command chamber are the drain and dewatering system isolation valves which are located in the inner chamber just below the bulkhead and in the LSRC bilge. For this reason a direct communication line (e.g. sound powered phone) exists between the command chamber and the last row of seating. The inner hatch is equipped with a small window to allow for visual communication between compartments, and both hatches are within reach of the senior survivor. Unlike most decompression chambers, the LSRC inner hatch is outward opening. While this arrangement is not ideal for lock-in/lock-out operations it is preferred in the flooding scenario. Seawater entering the outer chamber through the upper hatch is directed to the bilge via a drain located at the deck.

2.3.3 Inner Chamber

Inside the inner chamber are the crew seating, submarine access hatch, battery, ventilation fan, dewatering pump, and all electronic equipment for communications and navigation. As previously discussed, the submarine access hatch was placed high in the capsule for reasons of accessibility. This arrangement also places the hatch close to the command chamber and in view of the senior survivor. It is expected that the submarine access hatch will be one of the most challenging components of the LSRC design. While an outward opening hatch is desired, MMT configuration may require that the hatch be opened inward. For this reason the LSRC design provides additional space in the second row of seating²⁷ (See Figure 18). In addition, the area just below the bulkhead houses all the electrical equipment (i.e. communications and navigation gear, the battery and ventilation fan). This “Dry Zone” (See Figure 20) is sheltered from water by the bulkhead above and will ensure that the most vital equipment remains dry even if large quantities of water enter the capsule. As an added measure, water splashing from the side can be deflected by a simple shroud extending downward from the inner hatch perimeter.

Crew seating is comprised of ten circular benches located approximately three feet apart, vertically (See Figure 22). Including the command chamber, this arrangement provides seating for 70 men. A single ladder provides access to each level, and railings extending from the overhead are provided for safety. The seating will not be comfortable, and may require that many sailors lean forward in the “fetal” position placing their feet on either side of the crewmember seated below. The author recognizes that this seating arrangement is quite aggressive and may limit the crew’s ability to carry out simple tasks. However, in the event of an actual disaster, operational requirements (i.e. manning restrictions) may be overlooked or deliberately exceeded.

For this reason, the maximum manning scenario should serve as the basis for the design (to be discussed more later). Seating in this fashion is actually on par with that of other SRC designs.

Figure 23 shows an overhead picture that was taken inside an Indian Navy Type 209/1500 rescue sphere (SRC). This seating arrangement, as well as that of a Russian SRC (Project 949, NATO classification: Oscar) can be seen in Figure 24. When designing the LSRC, an all-standing arrangement was also considered. However, the risks of injury during the ascent phase and surface breaking, as well as delays that may occur during the crew’s treatment and recovery, discouraged this concept.

27 LSRC seating is numbered 1-10, top to bottom.

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Like the command chamber, inner chamber payloads are located in the outboards. These items include, atmosphere monitoring equipment, drinking water, MREs, first aid kits, blankets, and CO2 curtains. In addition to the systems located in the dry zone, the inner chamber also contains a single IC handset and the dewatering pump. With the exception of those crewmembers in the last row of seating, inner chamber occupants will play no role in the LSRC’s operation. Detailed schematics of the LSRC including all support systems can be seen in Figure 16.

1

Figure 17. LSRC cross-sectional view

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55

Figure 18. Submarine – LSRC access hatch

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60 2.4 STRUCTURAL