DSV Alvin

Alvin in 1978, a year after first exploring hydrothermal vents. The rack hanging at the bow holds sample containers.
Alvin in 1978, a year after first exploring hydrothermal vents. The rack hanging at the bow holds sample containers.
History
United States
NameAlvin
NamesakeAllyn Vine
OperatorWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution
BuilderGeneral Mills' Electronics Group[1]
AcquiredMay 26, 1964
In serviceJune 5, 1964
Statusin active service, as of 2024
General characteristics [2]
TypeDeep-submergence vehicle
Displacement17 t (17 long tons)
Length7.1 m (23 ft 4 in)
Beam2.6 m (8 ft 6 in)
Height3.7 m (12 ft 2 in)
Draft2.3 m (7 ft 7 in)
Speed2 knots (3.7 km/h; 2.3 mph)
Range5 km (3.1 mi)
Endurance72 hours with 3 crew
Test depth6,500 m (21,300 ft)
Capacity680 kg (1,500 lb) payload
Crew3 (1 pilot, 2 scientific observers)

Alvin (DSV-2) is a crewed deep-ocean research submersible owned by the United States Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The original vehicle was built by General Mills' Electronics Group[1] in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Named to honor the prime mover and creative inspiration for the vehicle, Allyn Vine, Alvin was commissioned on June 5, 1964.

The submersible is launched from the deep submergence support vessel RV Atlantis (AGOR-25), which is also owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by WHOI. The submersible has made more than 5,200 dives, carrying two scientists and a pilot, observing the lifeforms that must cope with super-pressures and move about in total darkness, as well as exploring the wreck of Titanic. Research conducted by Alvin has been featured in nearly 2,000 scientific papers.

  1. ^ a b "History of Alvin". Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 1 December 2005. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Alvin Specifications". Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 2012. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.