| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Priz class |
| Builders | Krasnoe Sormovo |
| Operators |  Russian Navy |
| Built | 1982–1989 |
| In service | 1986–present |
| Completed | 5 |
| Active | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Deep submergence rescue vehicle |
| Displacement | 55 t (54 long tons) |
| Length | 13.5 m (44 ft 3 in) |
| Beam | 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in) |
| Height | 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in) |
| Speed |
|
| Range | 21 nmi (39 km) |
| Endurance |
|
| Test depth | 1,000 m (3,300 ft) |
| Capacity | 20 passengers |
| Crew | 4 |
ThePriz class (Project 1855) is a type ofdeep-submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) operated by the government ofRussia. There are known to be at least five vessels of the class, several of which were involved in the failed rescue attempt when the submarineKursk sank on 12 August 2000. TheRussian word "Priz" (“приз”) means "prize".
Thetitanium-hulled vessels are 13.5 metres (44 ft 3 in) long, 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in) wide and 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in) high, with adisplacement of 55tonnes (54long tons). Capable of operating at depths up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft), they have a range of 21nautical miles (39 km; 24 mi), at a top speed of 3.3knots (6.1 km/h; 3.8 mph). With a crew of four, they can stay submerged for up to 120 hours, but with the crew and a full complement of 20 passengers aboard this is reduced to 10 hours. The Priz vessels are equipped with manipulators that can lift up to 50 kilograms (110 lb).
According to a report on Russian television (Vesti, on Rossiya channel, 7 August 2005), the Project 1855 Priz vessel was designed by theLazurit Design Bureau ofNizhny Novgorod, and four modifications were made:AS-26 (1986),AS-28 (1989),AS-30 (1989), andAS-34 (1991).
The Priz class is thought to be operable either crewed or uncrewed with abattery endurance of three hours. Between 2006 and 2016, an upgrade of the class to improve its navigational, search and life-support ability was conducted.
The Priz submarines are carried byPionier Moskvyy-class submersible support ships (Project 05360/05361), which can carry up to two of the submarines. The ships are equipped with special equipment to deploy a Priz in rough seas.
There are currently four Priz vessels operating.
