Ocean Systems

GEO
Satelites Local User
Terminal
LEO
Satelites

Deployed
SEPIRB

Submarine
Rescue

Rescue Mission
Coordination Control
Center Center
Submarine in Distress

T-1630A/SRT SEPIRB
Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
SEPIRB is a radio signaling device used for locating a submarine in distress. The SEPIRB is
stored onboard the submarine, and at the time of the emergency is retrieved from storage and
launched. The submarine may be surfaced or submerged at time of launch.

Immediately upon surfacing the SEPIRB obtains a GPS fix and stores that fix for the rest of
the devices life. That fix represents the last known position of the distressed submarine to
within less than 100 yards. The SEPIRB transmits a digital message to the COSPAS-SARSAT
satellite network at 406 MHz. This transmitted message contains a unique SEPIRB ID, the
GPS coordinates, elapsed time since activation to time of GPS fix, and elapsed time since
activation to end of life. This information is coded into a unique COSPAS-SARSAT National
User Protocol format. If no GPS location can be obtained, the SEPIRB determines location
by standard COSPAS-SARSAT Doppler shift method (accurate to approximately 1.5 miles).

Six hours after activation, the SEPIRB begins to transmit

a 121.5 MHz homing beacon which is used in locating
and retrieving the buoy. The SEPIRB continues both the
406 MHz message transmissions and 121.5 MHz homing
beacon until either the batteries are exhausted or until the
device is retrieved and manually deactivated.

Statement A: Approved for Release. Distribution is unlimited

 Ocean Systems
Features
• Simple and rugged single unit assembly • Submarine launch certified – survives launch
from a submarine in transit
• COSPAS-SARSAT (406 MHz) compatible
function and 121.5 MHz beacon • Designed to survive severe shock and vibration
requirements
• 406 MHz satellite message (national user
protocol) • Shock: 110 G 1/2 sine wave of eleven
milliseconds
• 121.5 MHz beacon (6 hour delay)
• Vibration: MIL-STD-167-1A Type I Table 1
• COSPAS/SARSAT data transmission of unique
submarine ID, GPS information, elapsed time • Bending moment requirement (200 lb. end load)
from activation and initial GPS position fix and
special encoded message • No lanyard, no strobe

• Shelf life: 5+ years • Launch from a 3 or 4 inch (with adapter sleeve

launcher or manual release via an emergency
• Operating life: 48+ hours escape trunk
• Stowage temperature: • 100% pressure tested for survival for 8 hours
• Short Term: -20ºC to 55ºC • BIT function and autonomous operating modes
• Long Term: -5ºC to 40ºC • Replaceable battery pack at depot level; LiMnO2
chemistry, NSWC battery safety instruction
• Operating temperature: -20ºC to 55ºC S9310 approval for use on a submarine

Physical Properties
Diameter 3.0 in (7.7cm)
Nose cap / radome for COSPAS-SARSAT, Length 41.2 in (105 cm)
121.5 MHz, and GPS antenna performance
- Low cost/low dielectric material Weight 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Joint design based on over 40 years of experience Buoyancy 20% MIN.
in expendable device design and manufacture
CG-CB Separation 5.24 in (13.3 cm)
(Submerged)
Antenna 406.040/121.5 MHz Integrated ublox GPS Aluminum drawn tube
receiver - based on sonobuoy design CG-CB Separation 1.25 in (3.2 cm)
and manufacture experience (Surfaced, Static)

Water line Orolia EPIRB electronics

and 406/121.5 MHz Airborn battery pack BIT
switch
GPS patch antenna
Dual O-ring seal
- User serviceable
for battery replacement

Statement A: Approved for Release. Distribution is unlimited

Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems

115 Bay State Drive
Braintree, MA 02184 USA
www.ultra-os.com Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems reserves the
right to vary these specifications without notice.
info@ultra-os.com © Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems Inc. 2016
781-848-3400 Printed in USA