ST. PETERSBURG -- Russia plans to launch a manned submersible in October this year, Mikhail Kovalchuk, president of the Kurchatov Institute, said on Thursday.

Speaking at an open lecture during the 16th St. Petersburg International Educational Forum, Kovalchuk noted that the submersible has been built at the Sevmash shipyard near the city of Arkhangelsk and already undergone a series of tests.

Designed for a two member crew, including a pilot and a technical specialist, the mini-submarine is equipped with a transparent acrylic pressure hull that provides a 270-degree panoramic view.

The deep-sea vehicle is fitted with emergency systems capable of automatically transmitting its location even in the event of power failure. It is designed for operation in both fresh and sea water.

The submersible is expected to enhance the safety of Russia's gas transportation infrastructure.

The international educational forum is being held from March 30 to April 3.