The LR5 submarine rescue system arrived in Australia early on Tuesday morning 2 June 2009, the Defence Materiel Organisation’s Head of Maritime Systems Rear Admiral Boyd Robinson announced today.
While having the LR5 submarine rescue system on call in the United Kingdom met the Navy’s requirements for responding to Submarine emergencies, the relocation improves response times and allows the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to exercise the capability with Collins Class Submarines.
“Resumption of the Navy’s annual submarine escape and rescue exercise ‘Black Carillon’, presently planned for late 2009, will allow Navy to exercise its submarine rescue capability,” Rear Admiral Robinson said.
The ancillary equipment for the LR5 suite arrived in Australia by a chartered 747 last week and the LR5 rescue vehicle by RAAF C17 Heavy Air Lift this week.
The suite has been at 12 hours notice to deploy in the event of a disabled submarine throughout the transport period from the United Kingdom to Australia.
The current Navy support vessels have already been modified to deploy the LR5 rescue system.
The LR5 has mated safely on many occasions with submarines fitted with the standard NATO rescue seat, which is fitted to most submarines, including Collins Class.
This rescue system complements the international support which would be available through Australia’s membership of the International Submarine and Rescue Liaison Organisation.
All these aspects form part of a mature submarine search and rescue organisation with proven measures in place to ensure effective domestic and global responses for any of the Navy’s submarines in the unlikely event of an emergency.
