Equipment of VPN Submarine-Resquer Ready for Operational

16 Desember 2023

HQ-927 Yet Kieu based on Damen Rescue Gear Ship 9316 (MSSARS 9316) - Multipurpose Submarine Search-And-Rescue Ship (infographic : ttxvn)

HQ-927 "Yet Kieu" submarine-rescuer of Vietnam People's Navy cruising at low speeds near the coast. Even though the ship is now properly equipped and manned, the "purpose" of Yet Kieu means outside of training, it sees little action in the surface fleet.

HQ-927 "Yet Kieu" submarine-rescuer of Vietnam People Navy cruising across the East Sea. Built to support the Kilo-class submarines of the Navy, Yet Kieu could carry quite a few stuff from helicopter to submarine rescue vehicle.

Helipad of the HQ-927 (photo : Ann Quann)

On a side note: At the moment, HQ-927 still sails without an assigned helicopter. The helipad of Yet Kieu could support Kamov helicopters of the Navy as well as the Air Force though.

Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV)

A Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) being loaded onto HQ-927 "Yet Kieu" submarine rescuer of Vietnam People Navy. The Navy planned to outfit HQ-927 shortly before the outbreak of Covid-19 but the process experienced delays (like everything else).

Helipad could support Kamov helicopter but currently no helicopter assigned (photo : Ann Quann)

Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) as Depth explorer

Forum Energy Technologies's Perry XLX-C ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) of Vietnam People Navy undergoing harbor trials. An LR-class DSRV (Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicle) of Forum would serve alongside Perry XLX-C ROV aboard HQ-927 ("Yet Kieu") submarine-rescuer. (Lee Ann Quann)

Forum’s XLX-C ROV Successfully Completes Sea Trials for Vietnam Navy

Aberdeen, UK  – Forum Energy Technologies’ remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the Perry XLX-C, has successfully completed sea trials in Vietnam.

Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV)  (photo : Ann Quann)

Working with its customer Submarine Manufacturing & Products (SMP) and the Vietnam Navy, the sea trials followed an extensive commissioning period and factory acceptance test which took place at Forum’s test tank in Kirbymoorside, Yorkshire, UK.

The vehicle is the compact derivative of the highly successful XLX work class ROV. The XLX-C ROV was designed, manufactured and tested on the same site. It is a heavy-duty work class hydraulic ROV with a depth rating of 4,000m, with ancillary equipment, including cameras, lights, altimeters and sonars.

It will be used to support the Vietnamese’ submarine rescue vehicle in its operations during assessment and preparation of a site for a submersible rescue. The XLX-C is fitted with Forum’s latest technology and can deliver specialized equipment, including an Emergency Life Support System, to a distressed submarine. It was supplied with an Emergency Life Support Stores (ELSS) underslung ROV skid which allows the transport and deployment of up to three ELSS pods at once to a distressed submarine (DISSUB).

(Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicle (photos : Ann Quann)

The XLX-C is coupled with a Forum Dynacon Launch and Recovery System (LARS) manufactured in the US. The Houston team also supplied a VMAX ROV training simulator for the XLX-C as a training aid for the ROV pilots. Forum’s software developers designed a new scenario to instruct pilots on how to latch the ROV with a distressed submarine using a ‘sticky foot’ tool in order to deliver emergency supply pods.

Forum has also provided the Vietnam Navy with a VisualSoft, four Channel VisualDVR, system. This is a multichannel digital video recorder with dynamic overlay and was supplied by Forum’s VisualSoft team in Aberdeen, UK. The VisualSoft product line has been synonymous with underwater digital video recording and data management since the company pioneered the use of the technology 20 years ago.

Kevin Taylor, Forum’s vice president – subsea vehicles, commented: “The XLX-C’s successful sea trials marks another success for the company as we continue to bring the latest technology to the industry. The vehicle’s capabilities make it ideally suited to a wide range of operations in the defence market.

“Forum has a robust strategy of providing first-class engineering, after market support and service to our clients from our operating centres in the key regions. We have an excellent global team and this project demonstrates the integrated approach we have to ensuring we deliver the best vehicles, bespoke simulation training, and digital video and data acquisition products. We look forward to continuing to support the Vietnam Navy in their subsea operations.” (FET)