Such conditions always present commercial opportunity, and new prospects in the global economy rely on the advancements of novel technologies required to meet the moment; the development of technologies for sensing and control, new material sciences that contribute to fabric formulation, and the realization of autonomous and uncrewed systems, to name but a few. All of these emerging technologies contribute, directly or indirectly, to activities and practices geared toward establishing a safer, more sustainable world.
LEGACY OF INNOVATION
Subsalve is a long-established innovator of inflatable solutions for a wide range of undersea, land-based, and aerospace applications. Some of these include systems for recovery of unexploded ordnance undersea, recovery of fuselage that are released by rockets launched into space and dropped into oceans, and emergency flotation systems for manned and uncrewed vehicles.
Since 1977 Subsalve has become the world leader in engineered inflatables and the go-to-company for solutions for militaries worldwide as well as major military contractors along with the leading companies from the maritime industry.
Subsalve has delivered innovative products using high strength and three-dimensional weave fabrics including industrial grade drop stitch fabric. Some of the products delivered include liquid containment bladders for fuel and water up to 300,000 gallons, floating modular drop stitch structures that provide work platforms for personnel and equipment as well as docking stations for manned and uncrewed watercraft.
DEFENSE & SECURITY
Fueled by increasing demand from defense customers, Subsalve and its partner companies have developed, tested, and integrated various solutions for real-world applications in zones of conflict and other contested waters. Our Ordnance Disposal Systems have been used by militaries around the world for more than 35 years. These self-contained systems are specifically designed for the removal of underwater mines and weapons. Another request from these customers is for solutions that offer the ability to store and transport fuel and water to support military operations.
All of our systems are manufactured of heavy duty coated fabrics that have a breaking strength exceeding 1,000 lbs. per inch and are resistant to fuels and most petrochemicals. They are also highly abrasion and UV resistant. Each are specifically designed for use by military, law enforcement, and government agencies (including NASA and SpaceX) that are all application driven.
An important component for all our systems is how inflation is controlled and actuated. We offer remote acoustic/timer actuation as well as mechanical and electrical actuation for increased safety to the end users. We have also delivered a buoyancy control system enabling management of payload buoyancy to meet mission objectives supporting uncrewed systems.
SUPPORTING UNCREWED DEPLOYMENTS
Outside of Subsalve’s traditional products, we have also worked closely with partners that require buoyancy control solutions. One such example is our development of a modular outer skin for Northrup Grumman’s uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) Manta Ray. This UUV was developed to support long-range, long-duration missions and is payload-capable to support a variety of needs.
Subsalve’s Buoyancy Control Systems were engineered to actuate lift bags in a variety of modes, including using an acoustic signal. In addition, with advanced sensor and communications technologies, the system can rapidly and actively monitor the position of the object in the water column, enabling autonomous or manual control of ascent or descent in wired or wireless modes.
RESEARCH & EXPLORATION
By using combinations of some exotic and conventional materials, Subsalve has delivered a variety of docking solutions and capture systems that facilitate the launch and retrieval of many different objects and been instrumental in research and exploration missions tasked with uncovering deep-sea secrets and helping to protect marine environments.
Subsalve also provided buoyancy solutions for maintain the safe positioning of James Cameron’s Deep Sea Challenger submersible during the launch and retrieval operations. Subsalve experts, together with the Challenger team, also developed a back up system to return the submersible back to the surface should the primary systems fail. This self-contained emergency buoyancy system included a custom pontoon and a specialized inflation source that was packaged in a confined space on the submersible.
Demand for innovative buoyance solutions shows no sign of abating as we, collectively, seek to expand the Blue Economy safely and sustainably. Subsalve takes a proactive approach to delivering advanced engineered products that enable and support the growth of this ever-changing ocean industry sphere. Our group of companies is poised to help and support all areas of technology, military and the continued preservation of our marine environment.
This feature appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2026 January Special Edition, The Future of Ocean Technology Vol. 6, to read more access the magazine here.
