Nr-1 nuclear powered ocean research

[greenman407]

A one of a kind. A special purpose submarine that was never commissioned or officially named. This was so that Hyman Rickover would not have to deal with the normal over site that the Dept. of the Navy normally gave to all the vessals under their command. It was affectionately known as "Nerwin" to all that knew her. It was launched Jan 25th 1969 and put out of service on Nov. 21st 2008. It performed many services that have not yet been declassified but it is notable in that when the Challenger came apart it was Nerwin that was there on the bottom retrieving parts that no one else could get to. When rough weather came around everyone else left except Nerwin to ride out the storm on the bottom. She was normally towed to and from the exploration site by her support ship. She could make 4.5 knots on the surface and almost 4 knots on the floor. Her maximum was 330 man days on the bottom. Its length was 150 ft. long and 12 ft. 6" beam. She could reach a depth of almost half a nautical mile. Standard equipment included deployable wheels to ride along the ocean floor, and a object recovery claw and basket. Also she employed a manipulator arm that was equipped with various tools. She used to good advantage her four thrusters that were ducted and kept her stationary in strong currents or helped her maneuver around. Not the flashiest ride out there but without her there was a lot of things that couldn't have been done. Ive got quite a few pictures of her. I hope that at least one of them will suite your fancy.

[greenman407]

[greenman407]

In this view the ducted thrusters can be seen to be working by watching the disturbed water at the stern.

[greenman407]

Hyman Rickover himself at the controls. Did this guy ever smile???!

[greenman407]

Lots of dodads all over this sub.

[Rpmtech1]

Excellent! I was going to say, give us some research sub stuff.

[Slats]

I love the way they put a BBQ top side and forward....nice touch.

[greenman407]

Anyone having any suggestions for future subjects to post articles on let me know. Already in the works are Parche, Trieste, and Alvin , plus a series on British post war subs.