Design features of underwater breathing apparatus

The problem of finding and disposing of explosive objects in the water areas of seas and rivers that remain as a result of hostilities on the territory of our country is urgent and requires appropriate technical equipment. The technical support (equipment) for performing underwater work, which is in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is outdated and can pose a threat to the life and health of sapper divers during the performance of complex combat tasks on a regular basis. One of the pressing issues today is the transition of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to NATO standards. Taking this into account, the issue of not only transitioning to international standards that regulate the processes of development, planning, testing, operation, repair or modernization of weapons and equipment, but also the preservation of the lives of personnel during combat missions is an urgent issue. Accordingly, the search for ways to increase the safety of military personnel during diving descents with explosive work is relevant. The purpose of the study is to analyze the possibility of making structural changes in underwater breathing apparatus (UBA) with an open breathing circuit of the ABA type and to evaluate the effectiveness of the changes made using a composite efficiency index. The types of UBAs with an open breathing circuit of the ABA type are analyzed, the main advantages and disadvantages of UBAs with open, semi-closed and closed circuits of gas supply for breathing are indicated. The principlescheme of the UBA type ABA was considered and constructive solutions were proposed to increase the safety of diving descents and works. Introducing a fundamentally different design of the reducer and the reserve air supply valve into the design scheme will provide an opportunity to control the air supply in the UBA, increase the safety of diving descents and work. The proposed changes in the design will improve the safety of diving descents and underwater work. The obtained results can be used in further scientific research in the direction of modernization and development of promising means of diving equipment.