Priz-class deep-submergence rescue vehicle

The Priz class (Project 1855) is a type of Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) operated by the government of Russia. There are known to be at least five vessels of the class, several of which were involved in the failed rescue attempt when the Kursk sank on 12 August 2000. The Russian word "Priz" (“приз”) means "prize".

Specifications
The titanium hulled vessels are 13.5 m long, 3.8 m wide and 4.6 m high, with a displacement of 55 tonnes. Capable of operating at depths up to 1000 metres, they have a range of 21 nmi, at a top speed of 3.3 knots (6 km/h). 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 kg.

According to a report on Russian television (Vesti, on Rossiya channel, August 7, 2005), the Project 1855 Priz vessel was designed by the Lazurit design bureau and four modifications were made: AS-26 (developed in 1986), AS-28 (1989), AS-30 (1989), and AS-34 (1991).

Operations
The Priz is thought be operable either manned or unmanned with a battery endurance of three hours. There has been a proposal to upgrade the class to allow it to dock with damaged submarines and improve its navigational ability.

The Priz submarines are carried by Pionier 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 Priz in rough seas.

List of boats
There are currently four "Priz" vessels operating.
 * RUSSIAN SUBMARINE AS-26
 * RUSSIAN SUBMARINE AS-28 (disabled off the coast of Kamchatka, August 5, rescued August 7, 2005)
 * RUSSIAN SUBMARINE AS-30
 * RUSSIAN SUBMARINE AS-34