China’s new manned submersible, named Shenhai Yongshi, or deep-sea warrior, equipped with excellent acoustic system, was officially delivered to its client last Friday, and will serve marine scientific research for the next 30 years.

The new manned submersible is able to reach a depth of 4,500 meters. The acoustic system of the submersible, developed by the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) of Chinese Academy of Sciences, plays an important role during the development and sea-trial of the submersible.

Statistically, 95% of the manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi is made in China. Several key domestic devices, including the manned cabin, underwater acoustic communication system and acoustic Doppler velocity log, show advanced performance and steady technical condition. This indicates that China has made great progress in deep-sea manned submersible technology and equipment manufacturing, enabling the country to research and manufacture deep-sea manned submersibles independently.

"The submersible Shenhai Yongshi has set a solid foundation for the development of China’s own 10,000 meters manned submersible," said YE Cong, director of underwater engineering R&D in China Ship Scientific Research Center.

A 10,000 meters manned submersible is currently under construction and is set for explorations in the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench in 2020, according to YE. He is also chief designer of 10,000 meters manned submersible.

China’s New Manned Submersible Shenhai Yongshi was preparing for sea-trial (Image by IOA)

Acoustic researchers of IOA returned from sea-trial (Image by IOA)