Command and Control of Deep Submergence Vehicles

The wide variety of applications for deep submergence vehicles gives rise to a complex set of command and control requirements. An over-view of the command control requirements is presented by setting forth a catalog of the deep submergence vehicle family in terms of type and mission. The vehicle types are categorized by a set of eight descriptors, manned/unmanned, free/tethered, suspended/bottomed, and propelled/inert. The missions considered are search, rescue, salvage, and exploration, implantation, exploitation. The limiting requirements for the various levels of command and control are related to this spectrum of vehicles and missions. The command/control systems for several vehicles are illustrated.