Cyana, a French manned submersible The Cyana is a manned submarine designed for observing and operating at depths reaching 3,000 meters, belongs and operated by IFERMER-Institut Francais de Recherche pour l`exploitation de la Mer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea). Commissioned in 1969 and and operates from various IFERMER research vessels (Suroît, Noroît, Nadir, l`Atalante). The Cyana system provides the following functional features: Direct observation, thanks to two portholes and 7 projectors, object detection on panoramic sonar, manipulation and sampling using an arm and retractable basket. Technical specifications: Cyana is highly maneuverable thanks to its vertical and horizontal thrusters and its high amplitude attitude control. Weight in air (lb/kg): 20,500/9,300 Payload in air (kg): 50 Dimensions (L*W*H feet/meter): 18`8*10`5*8`10/5.70*3.20*2.70 Propulsion: main propulsion 2*1.5kW electric thrusters, 2*hydraulic 0.6kW thrusters-1 stern and 1 vertical, all lead battery operated Speed (sub/knots): 2.0 Range (sub n/miles@knots):6-10 hours operational time Diving depth (feet/meter): 19,680/6,000 Complement: 3 crew members Construction: vascojet 90 alloy manned sphere 1.94m in diameter, 2*120mm diameter portholes, 1*manipulator arm with 5 degrees of freedom, 1*sampling basket. Back to History Index   Image Country Year Description Palau 1995 Cyana 9,800 feet