MOSCOW. Sept 14 (Interfax-AVN) - The official tests of the advanced deed-diving kit for the Russian Navy, developed by Russian specialists as part of the program to upgrade search and rescue forces' capabilities, will start at the Northern Fleet on September 17.
"The Navy command says the kit will enhance the capability of deep-diving forces immensely. SAR units will began receiving such kits in 2008," Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo, an aide of the Navy commander, told Interfax-AVN on Friday.
Unlike foreign similarities, the new kit has lighter helmet, an advanced system to prevent glass fogging and improved comfort exceeding the best European standards. The new design ensures superb air economy, and provides for field-stripping, thus expanding the capability of air supply adjustment depending on operating conditions to facilitate better work comfort. Importantly, the kit is made of advanced oil-resistant materials to ensure its best operation in polluted water areas.
Other features include capability to be operated at depth of about 60 meters for extended period of time up to six hours, the new helmet design, a breathing mask, an emergency rescue system on a sling, and some other improvements.