China's unmanned submersible completes first sea test

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China’s unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" completed its first sea test in the western Pacific Ocean on Friday.

The submersible reached a diving depth of 410 meters from the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) at 4:45 p.m. local time.

China’s unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" descending into the water. /Xinhua Photo

It underwent a comprehensive inspection by the expedition team on its monitoring, dynamical, propelling, and positioning systems, and went back to the dock at 6:25 p.m. local time.

The submersible conducted a sound performance underwater with all parameters within a normal range, said Chu Fengyou, chief scientist of Dayang Yihao.

The vehicle is able to dive to a depth of 11,000 meters, added Chu. It will complete an 11,000-meter-deep sea test in three years, according to the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association.

Dayang Yihao, China’s 5,600-ton research vessel, departed Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on March 20, taking scientists on a 45-day scientific expedition.

China’s 5,600-ton research vessel, Dayang Yihao /VCG Photo

The ship is carrying advanced scientific equipment and unmanned submersibles "Hailong" and "Qianlong." The “Hailong III”, which is able to dive to a depth of 6,000 meters, completed two sea tests of 400 meters and 2,000 meters from the research vessel before "Hailong 11000."

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)