As a "national weapon" for deep-sea exploration, the "Jiaolong" will complete the pool test in February this year after being upgraded and refitted, and will conduct application sea trials in March. The reporter learned from the China Oceanic Affairs Administration that submariners and technicians are currently intensively carrying out the upgrade and reconstruction work of the "Jiaolong", which mainly includes the upgrade of key components such as the 7,000-meter-class large-capacity, long-life, high-energy-density flexible lithium battery system and high-efficiency direct-drive low-noise DC propulsion, while optimizing the hydraulic system, video transmission system, operation tool kit, and fault diagnosis auxiliary decision-making systems.
It is reported that the "Jiaolong" has completed the upgrade and replacement of key components and will complete the pool test in February 2025. In March, the "Jiaolong" will carry out sea trials to improve the key operating capabilities of the "Jiaolong" in the South China Sea. This technological upgrade of key components will significantly improve the overall performance and safe operation capabilities of the "Jiaolong", improve the independent controllability of deep-sea exploration technology, maintain the technological leadership of the "Jiaolong", and provide technical support for subsequent deep-sea scientific research and application voyages.
As a 7,000-meter-class manned submersible independently developed by my country, the "Jiaolong" is my country's "national weapon" for understanding and exploring the deep sea. Its investigation scope has covered the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and other waters, and plays an important role in promoting human understanding of the deep sea and improving the level of scientific research. (Reporter Wang Libin)