Deep Star 4000

The lack of an all-weather capability and the rather limited payload hampered this study, but the overlapping fields of the viewports and the ability to operate in very close proximity to the bottom, regardless of terrain, are desirable features that should be included on any future DOSV.

[3][4] Accurate measurements of in-situ sound speed, temperature, salinity, and pressure have been achieved during numerous replicating dives aboard Deepstar 4000 to depths of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft).

On one Deep Star 4000 dive south of San Diego, California, the crew, Dr. Eugene C. La Fond and pilot, narrowly escaped tragedy when the ascent system and its backup failed at 3,500 feet down.

[5] Instrument packages have consisted of three precision velocimeters (two NUS TR-4's and one TR-5), two Dymec temperature sensors, one Bissett-Berman salinometer, one or two Vibrotrons, and four Fjarlie bottles with four reversing thermometers each.

Accuracy is enhanced by meticulous calibrations before and after dive series, delicate handling of all equipment, intercomparison of several instruments, consistently careful measurements, and correct assessments of thermal lags and pressure effects.

[7] On Dec. 4, 1966, Eugene LaFond (accompanied by fellow Deepstar crewmen Dale Good and Bob Bradley) reported finding a surprisingly lifeless area of the San Pedro Basin.

"[citation needed] LaFond had been working for the Navy Electronics Laboratory (NEL) since 1946 and contributed to the development of many submersibles including Deep Star 4000.