Russia will create a digital replica of the first Soviet submarine
Russian researchers and naval specialists have begun creating a highly accurate 3D digital replica of D-1, the first Soviet submarine, which sank in the Barents Sea in 1940. Using a telemetered remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), the expedition aims to preserve a historically significant vessel through advanced imaging and AI-driven reconstruction.
AI to Process Thousands of Deep-Sea Images
The expedition—organized by the Russian Geographical Society, the ‘People of the Sea’ Foundation, and the Northern Fleet—uses a remotely operated underwater vehicle designed to work at a depth of 256 meters. Equipped with high‑resolution cameras and impulse-lighting systems, the ROV performs a sequence of guided passes along the submarine’s hull, capturing the vessel from multiple angles and distances.
Each image overlaps with the next, making it possible to apply photogrammetry: a method in which software reconstructs the submarine’s geometry from thousands of photographs. The system computes the vessel’s shape, dimensions, and spatial orientation with exceptional precision.
A synchronized strobe-lighting setup plays a crucial role. Short light pulses make it possible to obtain clear images even in near-total darkness and murky water, minimizing noise and distortion. All data is transmitted via cable to operators onboard the research vessel and recorded for post‑processing.
A Digital Model for Preservation and Research
The next stage involves merging the photographs into a full digital 3D model—a virtual replica of the submarine. Researchers can use this model to examine hull damage, deformation, and structural degradation without disturbing the site.
The technology is widely applicable. Similar photogrammetric and ROV‑based methods are used worldwide to survey shipwrecks, underwater infrastructure, pipelines, and cultural heritage objects on the seafloor. Producing 3D models enables remote analysis, long‑term preservation of data, and repeatable study without new dives—an especially critical advantage for deep‑sea or hard‑to‑reach regions of the world’s oceans.
