ROV|AUV related news for 2010

British oiler Shirvan found with Gavia AUV

-September 2010

Icelandic Coast Guard identifies WW2 British oiler utilizing a Gavia AUV
Recently a Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was successfully employed by the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG) to positively identify a contact that was observed during previous Coast Guard operations.

Icelandic Coast Guard using a Gavia AUV

During fall of 2009, the Icelandic Coast Guard conducted routine bathymetric surveys in an area that in November of 1944 had seen two ships, the British oiler SS Shirvan and the Icelandic steamship Godafoss sunk by the German submarine U- 300. The results of these surveys revealed an anomaly that was ship like in shape and that had roughly the same length as the SS Shirvan .This aroused suspicions amongst the ICG that this may potentially be the wreck of the Shirvan.

Image of 1200 kHz Marine Sonic Side Scan Sonar from Gavia AUV and a wartime image of the 125m long Shirvan

During August of 2010 a mission was conducted by the Icelandic Coast Guard with the cooperation of the University of Iceland, utilizing a Gavia vehicle to investigate the target using a range of acoustic sensors including a high frequency side scan and a swath bathymetry system.  Once in the vicinity of the target, the Gavia vehicle was deployed from one of ICG cutter Tyr’s small boats and quickly revealed that the potential target was indeed a ship rather than a geographic feature after an initial side scan survey ran at greater than normal altitudes designed to chart hazards such as any fishing nets and masts. 

Further dives by the Gavia vehicle on the same day gathered considerable data from both the 600 kHz and the higher frequency 1200 kHz Side Scan.  A 500 kHz Gavia mounted GeoSwath system from GeoAcoustics, provided detailed bathymetry of the wreck and surrounding area. 

 

 
500 KhZ GeoSwath image of wreck

The Shirvan was hit by two torpedoes and burned for 24 hours before sinking which resulted in considerable damage to the wreck. It was found to be broken into three sections, with signs of considerable deterioration of the hull, allowing some interior structures to be seen.  Despite the damage, the detailed high-frequency sonar imagery meant it was possible to identify the wreck based on several identifiable features, particularly in the better-preserved aft most section.

Image showing aft section similarities

According to shipping manifests, the Shirvan was carrying a full load of oil or gasoline when she sank, and thus it was feared that if the 6000 ton vessel was intact, there could potentially be a significant environmental issue associated with the leaking fuel. Utilizing the data from the Gavia AUV the Icelandic Coast Guard was able to determine that due to the condition of the wreck it is highly unlikely any significant quantities of gasoline remain onboard.
According to Captain Halldór Nellet, Chief of Operations of the Icelandic Coast Guard, “The Gavia AUV proved to be an invaluable asset to us during this operation to identify the contact that was earlier discovered. Within 20 minutes of the initial dive we had ascertained that this contact was a ship, and data gathered from subsequent dives helped us to positively identify it as the SS Shirvan and to alleviate our concerns about the potential ramifications of a wreck with a full load of oil so close to our coast,.”

The finding of the Shirvan is historically significant, as the exact location where the Shirvan went down has until now been unknown and the Icelandic Goðafoss was lost in the same attack after she defied orders and stopped to rescue the British sailors on the Shirvan. This action resulted in a significant loss of life amongst both the crew of Godafoss and the rescued crewmen from the Shirvan, To date, despite numerous attempts, the wreck of the Godafoss remains undiscovered.  However, locating the wreck of the Godafoss may not be imminent as the stricken Shirvan drifted for roughly 24 hours after the attacks on the two vessels.

 

July 2010
Portuguese Navy successful missions

Two Gavia systems delivered to NATO / NAMSA in January 2010 have already proved their worth on behalf of the Portuguese Navy, both for Mine Countermeasures (MCM) purposes and for Search and Rescue Missions.

The vehicles primary use will be MCM applications by the Portuguese Navy, but due to the modular nature of the Gavia systems, the vehicles can readily be re-configured by the addition of Gavia modules to conduct various types of missions, ranging from hydrographic survey to Anti Submarine Warfare training. The Portuguese Navy and Hafmynd Ehf of Iceland are also cooperating to better tweak the capabilities of the Gavia AUV for MCM applications and for specific Portuguese Navy missions and operating environments.

Mine Counter Measures in the Mediterranean

In April 2010, during an international Mine Hunting Exercise (MINEX) and a counter terrorist training exercise, the Portuguese Navy Gavia vehicles ran around 45 hours of mission in 3 different operating areas. The week long project was collaboration between MCM Assets from Spain, Portugal and the NATO Standing MCM Group 2, with ships from Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece Turkey and Lithuania. The Gavia vehicles performed successfully with the vehicles locating a high percentage of the Mine Like Objects, resulting in fewer dives for the divers and by operating only by utilizing vessels of opportunity thus reducing the need for specialized Mine Warfare dedicated vessels.
Lieutenant Commander Carlos Afonso of the Portuguese Navy (Head of Mine Warfare Office, PO Naval Tactical Center) is satisfied with the Gavia vehicles and the results they have delivered so far: “The Portuguese Navy has recently incorporated GAVIA Systems for a wide range of applications. Our GAVIA systems are currently exclusive in the international MCM community, bringing us some challenges but most of all giving a new concept of operations due to its modularity characteristic, which allows a set of different configurations, an enlargement of mission time and an almost continuous operation cycle. After its first employment, in an international MCM exercise, the AUV overall performance permitted us to acquire high quality sonar data and, after end, to execute Shallow and Very Shallow MCM Ops with very encouraging results.”

Search and Rescue Mission in the Atlantic Ocean

When the recreational vessel “Super Eagle II” sank about 13 nautical miles northwest of Aveiro, Portugal on June 20th 2010, the Navy deployed its Gavia AUVs in addition to several vessels equipped with Side Scan Sonars, a ROV and an Air Force aircraft.
It was ultimately the Gavia AUVs that located and identified the vessel at about 50meters depth, which was essential to redirect thw search of the four missing persons lost in the boat accident. One person was rescued by a fishing boat shortly after the accident.

Image taken by the Gavia AUV at 50 meters depth,10m sonar range (courtesy of PO NAVY)

The sunken vessel “Super Eagle II” towed away by a fishing boat. (Image via Renascenca www.rr.pt)

 

 

ULS-100 Integrated with the SeaTrepid Rope Crawler -10/09/07

Implications of Damage

The implications of not detecting and measuring the damage to an offshore platform is significant. The major hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 demonstrated the importance of a well designed mooring system. However, degradation of any system as a result of exposure to the elements will have an impact on even the best designs. In order to ensure the adequacy of the mooring systems while at the same time not performing unnecessary maintenance, a complete understanding of the status of these systems is required.

 

Offshore Platform Mooring Line Scan

 

Novel Inspection Solution

To inspect offshore platform mooring lines, SeaTrepid has designed a novel vehicle that attaches to these lines and drives up and down the line. In addition to visual inspection with an array of video cameras, the vehicle has been designed to incorporate the 2G Robotics ULS-100. Integration of this sensor with the vehicle was successfully completed in advance of offshore trials. SeaTrepid selected the ULS-100 for integration with their specialized vehicle because of its high precision measurement capability. When defects such as abrasions and cuts in the rope are located, the ULS-100 is capable of very accurately measuring these defects. Given this data, a complete understanding of the rope is realized, allowing for a more optimal determination of the appropriate corrective action.

 

ULS-100 Attatched to the Rope Crawler

 

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New Product Spotlight -10/05/2010

Subsea Asset Location Technologies Ltd

The Company

Subsea Asset Location Technologies (SALT)Ltd is a ‘spin out’ company from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) the research agency of the UK MoD. The company was formed in February 2008 to exploit the commercial demand for the passive acoustic sonar reflector technology developed by Dstl. The SonarBell is commercially available and allows the user to mark underwater equipment to ease relocation. It can be designed to operate with most sonar systems and has a unique calibration and frequency response.

The Product

Having spent many years contributing to military requirements to reduce underwater sonar signatures, the scientists at Dstl turned their knowledge of this area on its head to develop a passive device that was “as loud as possible” when exposed to an incoming signal.
The resulting Intellectual Property led to the development of the SonarBell reflector. In simple terms, the device acts as a lens focusing, and then reflecting back, the highest possible sound signature. In many ways it acts in a similar fashion to a cat’s eye reflecting back the light from a car headlight only using sound.

Although “solid state” with no moving parts or power requirements the device is compatible with existing commercial sonar sets and the first product range is already suitable for many applications.

www.cesalt.co.uk

SALT_Flyer2010rr.pdf

 

Applications:

Commercial marking - pipeline, telecoms

ROV/AUV intervention, pilot orientation

Military:

Mine locations

Safe passage marking

Hydrography/ oceanology

Family of units Larger units for surface ship/ multi-beam

Designed to work with all sonars

Individual calibration

 

New Product Spotlight: WFS seatooth through water and through ground radio modem

 

Seatext® is the world’s first commercial through water and through-ground radio communication system, designed to interface with sensors and control units.

Seatext® can be readily tailored to numerous
applications: e.g. environmental monitoring of rivers, lakes estuaries and landfill sites, oceanographic monitoring, process control and communications in underground mines, culverts, and water/wastewater networks.

 

CROSSES WATER / AIR INTERFACE

Allows unobtrusive and seamless transmission through water and through ground, removing the need for cables or repeater buoys. In addition the Seatext® does not need line of sight to transmit, is covert and poses no hazard to navigation.

 

 

 

PENETRATES THE GROUND AND ICE
Effectively allows for two way transmission of data through rock and soil. Removes the need for vulnerable cabling while allowing for greater freedom to staff underground. Could be exploited in underground tunnels used by transport links such as metro systems to support communications infrastructures.

 

 

 

CLEAN, INTERFERENCE-FREE TRANSMISSIO
Seatext® operates without interfering with acoustic sensors or sonars and can be used without the ill effects to aquatic life often attributed to acoustic technology.

 

 

 

 

EFFECTIVE IN COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS

Unlike acoustic systems, WFS’s radio Technology is unaffected by acoustic noise, turbidity, mud or ice and will operate in shallow water as well as congested environments such as harbours,estuaries and waterways.

 

 

click here for more info...

SAAB SEAEYE Sabertooth: New AUV from SAAB Seaeye!

-03-22-2010

THE DEEP WATER HYBRID AUV/ROV
THE SEAEYE SABERTOOTH is a merger of the Double Eagle SAROV™ (Saab Autonomous
Remotely Operated Vehicles) and Saab Seaeye technologies, resulting in a hovering hybrid
AUV/ROV with deep water capability, long excursion range and 360° manoeuvrability with
6 degrees of freedom.
Sabertooth is ideal for autonomous inspection and maintenance of subsea installations, and
offshore survey work.
• Operational depth of 3000 msw
• Battery power allowing long range operations, with either full operator control via a thin fibre
optic tether or autonomous operation (with operator control in proximity of targets)
• Full AUV functionality with obstacle avoidance, behaviour based control and underwater
docking capability
• Redundant fault tolerant control system
• Non-invasive self-diagnostics
• Advanced autopilots: heading, depth, pitch, roll, stabilisation, altitude, station keeping,
vector transition, obstacle avoidance and sonar target tracking
• Remote internet interface for base and Seaeye technical support

NEW COUGAR XTI LAUNCHED AT OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

-03-22-2010

Dual-role, deep water ROV opens new markets

A greater range of deep water applications is now possible with a new dual-role, 3000 metre-rated ROV from world leader Saab Seaeye.

Pioneering technology in the new Cougar XTi electric ROV means the vehicle can go deeper, has a smaller launch system, a thinner umbilical, clearer interface, smarter fault diagnostics, easier configuration and tighter piloting.

Managing director, Dave Grant sees the innovative new vehicle opening up a whole new market for the concept of a combined inspection and light work-ROV.

Cougar XTi - easy to reconfigure for different operational roles. “Operating to 3000m depth, the Cougar XTi can perform tasks independently, or in support of a construction class hydraulic ROV.”

He says it also brings important cost savings in deck space with a compact, single skid solution for the launch and recovery system (LARS).

Shrinking the LARS came from a breakthrough by Saab Seaeye engineers who managed to reduce the umbilical
from a typical 32mm down to 20mm.
The thinner umbilical not only significantly reduces the winch drum size, but offers considerably less drag in the water in strong currents.

They achieved the reduction by boosting the voltage from 500V to 3000V with only one power line, rather than two, needed to feed the system.

The 800Hz high frequency power distribution system also cuts the size of the ROV’s on-board transformer by 80% and improves the vehicle’s power to weight ratio giving an 80 kg payload at 3000m.

Pilot-friendly fault management

Other innovations include a simplified man/machine interface (MMI) for easier control. It also keeps the pilot in touch with the health of the ROV and warns of potential problems.

Smart fault diagnostics gives the pilot a clear interpretation of a fault and the remedial action to be taken, including the ability to remotely isolate the failed component and keep the ROV working.

Each on board device – thrusters, lights, tools etc – is managed through an intelligent three mode distributed plug and go control system. The first mode controls the device; the second provides the diagnostics; and the third is used to channel software updates.

It is a software-driven concept that makes it quick and easy to reconfigure the vehicle for different operational roles, and changing task-specific tooling skids.

These tooling options can include manipulator packages, anvil and disc cutters, water-jetting equipment, torque tools, survey packages with camera booms, drill support and IRM tooling.

The Cougar XTi also has a new autopilot system that gives the operator more precise positioning of the vehicle by automatically holding depth and heading in much tighter parameters than ever before.

Fingertip manoeuvrability in every direction is achieved with six powerful brushless DC thrusters that give velocity feedback for precise and predictable control.

The Cougar XTi is a major upgrade of the long proven Cougar concept and includes breakthrough technology from Saab Seaeye’s flagship Jaguar electric work-ROV, along with systems developed by its parent company Saab Underwater Systems for military ROV applications.

By expanding the ROV market with this innovative new concept, Saab Seaeye continues to lead the way in technological development and extend its lead status as the world’s largest and most respected manufacturer of electrically operated ROVs. Parent, Saab Underwater Systems is itself a world leader in sensor systems, precision engagement systems, and remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles.

CEOE signs agreement with offshore survey company UTEC

8:12 a.m., March 10, 2010----The University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and offshore survey company UTEC Survey have signed an agreement that outlines cooperative efforts in autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) research.

Signing the agreement between the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and UTEC Survey were, from left, Art Trembanis, CEOE Dean Nancy Targett and Trevor Hughes, director of sales and marketing for UTEC. They are pictured with the autonomous underwater vehicle Dora.
Signing the two-year agreement at the University's Newark campus were Trembanis, CEOE Dean Nancy Targett, and Trevor Hughes, UTEC's director of sales and marketing.Art Trembanis, assistant professor of geological sciences, said that he and his team will provide the company with training and use of UD's AUV, a torpedo-shaped device that swims untethered through the water collecting data. The device will assist with UTEC's efforts to map the ocean floor in support of a range of projects around the world.

“We are devoted to developing the next generation of ocean research tools, and this opportunity to extend our technological expertise to members of industry is a great testament to the strength of that work,” Targett said.

UTEC is one of the world's fastest growing offshore survey companies. Its U.S. office is located in Houston, but the company also has regional offices in the U.K. (Aberdeen), Australia (Perth) and Southeast Asia. It provides a range of services such as site surveys and geohazard assessments to energy, telecommunication, construction and renewables industries.

“The ability to utilize this existing robust platform to perform detailed surveys, coupled with the additional sensors UTEC will add to the existing platform capability will significantly enhance the group's capabilities to provide a highly portable AUV system on a global basis,” Hughes said.

“Its a real win-win,” Trembanis added. “For us, our students and staff get a connection to a thriving industry. It also means exposure to cutting-edge projects in a variety of fields, some very valuable experiences for students, and revenue to build up our AUV.”

This week, graduate student Adam Skarke traveled with the device to London for the Oceanology International meeting, where he is serving as UD's liaison in the partnership's initiation.

Known more affectionately as Dora (short for Delaware Oceanographic Research Autonomous underwater vehicle), the AUV is approximately 9 feet long and weighs about 176 pounds. It uses sonar sensors and other gauges to gather all types of vital information such as acoustic “pictures” and water quality data such as salinity and temperature.

The beauty of Dora, Trembanis said, is a design that lets researchers swap out its sensor modules depending on the kind of data they want to collect.

“A lot of AUVs are already doing survey applications in deep waters, but they are school bus sized,” Trembanis said. “We're talking about a completely different approach, a very small, modular device that can go anywhere in the world and can operate in very shallow waters.”

Thanks to all those useful characteristics, Dora is shaping up to be a very busy AUV.

Since its acquisition in 2008, Dora has been used to study everything from coral reefs off the Caribbean island of Bonaire to underwater habitats in Delaware Bay. Undergraduates studying abroad in New Zealand during the 2010 Winter Session helped deploy it on missions studying algal blooms, and high school students in CEOE's TIDE Camp last summer launched it in Delaware Bay to study the seafloor.

Trembanis explained that partnerships like the one with UTEC not only contribute to Dora's success, but also to the goals of the university.

“These partnerships really relate to the Path to ProminenceTM in that we're developing alliances between industry and academia, and leveraging the resources they have with the ideas and ingenuity that we have,” Trembanis said. “It's really exciting stuff.”

Article by Elizabeth Boyle
Photo by Lisa Tossey

 

New Product Spotlight! Inuktun Spectrum 120, 120 HD Cameras

Spectrum 120 HD™

The Spectrum 120HD pan, tilt and zoom camera provides crystal clear video in air or underwater. It packs a High Definition (HD), 2MP imager (1080i resolution) with 120x zoom in a robust package only 4.75in / 120mm diameter.

The standard camera includes marine-grade aluminum parts and built-in, high intensity LED lights.

 

Saab Seaeye manufactures a complete range of electric powered ROV systems for all professional applications. The range currently extends from the portable Seaeye Falcon ROV to the medium work class Panther Plus ROV.

Seaeye Falcon & Falcon DR
Seaeye Tiger
Seaeye Lynx
Seaeye Surveyor Plus
Seaeye Cougar & Cougar-XT
Cougar-XTi_Rev1.pdf
Seaeye Jaguar
Seaeye Panther Plus

SAAB Seaeye Sarov: article or PDF

 

Widely regarded since 1987 as the leading supplier of ROVs to the offshore oil and gas industry, Seaeye now also supply ROVs to a number of the world's leading navies for security, MCM, salvage and diver support tasks as well as to coastal and inshore operators for observation, inspection, environmental work, deep tunnel penetration and survey operations.

With over 300 ROVs delivered worldwide through an international network of distributors you can be confident of this company's track record and continued determination to support our customers with increasingly capable and versatile systems.

Saab Seaeye Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saab Underwater Systems AB and is located in Fareham, Hampshire on the South Coast of England between the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth with rapid ferry access to the continent. Both of London's international airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, are just over an hour away by road.

01 March 2010

NEW COUGAR XTI LAUNCHED AT OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

Dual-role, deep water ROV opens new markets

A greater range of deep water applications is now possible with a new dual-role, 3000 metre-rated ROV from world leader Saab Seaeye.

Pioneering technology in the new Cougar XTi electric ROV means the vehicle can go deeper, has a smaller launch system, a thinner umbilical, clearer interface, smarter fault diagnostics, easier configuration and tighter piloting.

Managing director, Dave Grant sees the innovative new vehicle opening up a whole new market for the concept of a combined inspection and light work-ROV.

Cougar XTi - easy to reconfigure for different operational roles.
"Operating to 3000m depth, the Cougar XTi can perform tasks independently, or in support of a construction class hydraulic ROV."

He says it also brings important cost savings in deck space with a compact, single skid solution for the launch and recovery system (LARS).

Shrinking the LARS came from a breakthrough by Saab Seaeye engineers who managed to reduce the umbilical from a typical 32mm down to 20mm. The thinner umbilical not only significantly reduces the winch drum size, but offers considerably less drag in the water in strong currents.

They achieved the reduction by boosting the voltage from 500V to 3000V with only one power line, rather than two, needed to feed the system.

The 800Hz high frequency power distribution system also cuts the size of the ROV's on-board transformer by 80% and improves the vehicle's power to weight ratio giving an 80 kg payload at 3000m.

Pilot-friendly fault management

Other innovations include a simplified man/machine interface (MMI) for easier control. It also keeps the pilot in touch with the health of the ROV and warns of potential problems.

Smart fault diagnostics gives the pilot a clear interpretation of a fault and the remedial action to be taken, including the ability to remotely isolate the failed component and keep the ROV working.

Each on board device - thrusters, lights, tools etc - is managed through an intelligent three mode distributed plug and go control system. The first mode controls the device; the second provides the diagnostics; and the third is used to channel software updates.

It is a software-driven concept that makes it quick and easy to reconfigure the vehicle for different operational roles, and changing task-specific tooling skids.

These tooling options can include manipulator packages, anvil and disc cutters, water-jetting equipment, torque tools, survey packages with camera booms, drill support and IRM tooling.

The Cougar XTi also has a new autopilot system that gives the operator more precise positioning of the vehicle by automatically holding depth and heading in much tighter parameters than ever before.

Fingertip manoeuvrability in every direction is achieved with six powerful brushless DC thrusters that give velocity feedback for precise and predictable control.

The Cougar XTi is a major upgrade of the long proven Cougar concept and includes breakthrough technology from Saab Seaeye's flagship Jaguar electric work-ROV, along with systems developed by its parent company Saab Underwater Systems for military ROV applications.

By expanding the ROV market with this innovative new concept, Saab Seaeye continues to lead the way in technological development and extend its lead status as the world's largest and most respected manufacturer of electrically operated ROVs. Parent, Saab Underwater Systems is itself a world leader in sensor systems, precision engagement systems, and remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles.

For more information contact:
Chris Roper
Roper Resources Ltd.
Tel: (805) 798 0277

Chris@RoperResources.com

Click here for What's New at SAAB Seaeye PDF

SAAB Seaeye Sarov article from the society of underwater technology newsletter

When the Saab Group acquired Seaeye Marine in 2007, one of its strategic objectives was to investigate the potential of broadening and adapting its military-based subsea technology for use in the civil offshore/marine market. There were clear synergies between the autonomous vehicle portfolio of Saab Subsea Systems and the electrical remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems developed by the Hampshire-based manufacturer. What this also gave Saab, was access to Seaeye’s wealth offshore market expertise that could enable the expanded group to collaborate in pursuing alternative market opportunities.

Now, two years later, Saab Underwater Systems has unveiled its first civil product – the SAROV Offshore Hybrid. This concept could realistically have significant practical ramifications on how future deepwater observation and intervention activities are conducted, and Saab is working closely with Aker Solutions on ways to practically develop the technology. An introductory system was unveiled at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, inviting industry comments before the complete system is formally launched next year.

“Saab Underwater Systems has a strong background in developing unmanned underwater vehicles, traditionally for mine countermeasure operations and search/recovery and potentially for maritime security and artificial targets,” said Sven-Inge Svensson, vice president of unmanned systems. “We have a good record, selling over 70 systems across the world. While the SAROV Offshore Hybrid is new, its components and systems have been tested over many years in parallel, but equally demanding, theatres of operation.”

One of Saab’s most advanced military designs is the Double Eagle, a hybrid vehicle that combines the speed and cost-effectiveness of an untethered autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with power efficiency and flexibility of a tethered ROV (UT2 August/September 2008, p44–45). Many of its features have now found their way into the new offshore Saab autonomous remotely operated vehicle (SAROV).

“The Double Eagle had to be large enough to afford it a high endurance while being able to carry a disposal charge for mine detonation. The SAROV Offshore Hybrid is designed more for observation and light intervention on distributed offshore infrastructure, thus necessitating a different design shape and specifications,” said Svensson. While the SAROV Offshore Hybrid has a similar length to its military counterpart, it is available in two configurations: single and double hull rated to 3000m water depth. Both are 3m in length and 450mm in height, however, the double hull increases the Offshore Hybrid’s width from 400mm to 900mm and the launch weight from 250kg to 650kg.

The double hull increases the forward speed from 4kts to 5kts and the forward thrust from 30kgf to 100kgf (although the lateral thrust is marginally increased from 25kgf to 30kgf and the vertical thrust remains the same at 50kgf). may be a bit low for certain applications, but since the control system allows alternate thruster configurations, tool packs can include additional thrusters if needed without having to sacrifice size, weight and endurance for other missions. It also doubles the payload from 40kg to 80kg and increases the battery capacity from 8kWh to 14kWh which manifests as an increase from 2–4 hours to 3–10 hours. Click Here to read more...

 

 

 

 

Jan 14, 2010

MARK TAYLOR/ Waikato Times

Waikato University launched its very own yellow submarine at Huntly’s Weaver’s Lake yesterday.

Researchers will use the $700,000 Automated Underwater Vehicle (AUV), nicknamed Dora, to study the effects of algal blooms and humans on lakes. The AUV is on loan from the University of Delaware for several months.

Waikato University professor Craig Cary, who is also a faculty member at the University of Delaware, said the AUV’s cutting-edge technology meant geological and biological researchers could look at things differently.

The AUV’s tiny conning tower contains an iridium cell phone transmitter to relay data. Sonar attached to the hull creates a contour map of the lake floor accurate to within 15cm, and sensors collect data of algal blooms and other scientific variables.

“We can find out what’s driving the algal community in the lakes, and that’s critical to our knowledge of getting them back to what they should be,” Professor Cary said.

The sub, one of 13 worldwide, also carries a camera but the lake’s murky water limited visibility. The launch was watched by 29 Delaware University under-graduates doing five weeks of research in New Zealand.

 

NEW DEEP-SWIMMING ROV HEADS FOR BRAZIL

December 10, 2009

Specialist contractor, DOF Subsea, has taken delivery of an advanced design of deep-swimming ROV from Saab Seaeye, destined for Brazil. The new 3000 metre-rated Cougar XTi ROV features technological developments that open up a greater range of deep water applications. It will be permanently commissioned aboard a specially built DOF Subsea vessel, along with two hydraulic work-class vehicles. The vessel has been constructed in Norway and will operate offshore in Brazil for Light Well Intervention. The onboard Launch and Recovery System (LARS) has been built by ODIM, and includes Active Heave Compensation. Shrinking the size of LARS has been made possible by reducing the diameter of the umbilical from a typical 32mm down to 20mm through new ROV power technology. A thinner umbilical also offers less drag; and the 800Hz high frequency power system cuts the size of the ROV's on board transformer by 80% thereby improving the vehicle's power to weight ratio.

A greater range of deep water applications is more possible with the new Cougar XTi

Other key developments include a fault tolerant system that isolates any failed component and allows the ROV to keep working at its designated task. A greater range of deep water applications is more possible with the new Cougar XTi Pilots get fault diagnostics through a simplified man/machine interface that interprets the fault data for them before clearly displaying the problem and the remedial action to be taken.

A simplified man/machine interface keeps the pilot fully in touch with the system.

Clever system integration makes the ROV more software driven than hardware dependent and therefore easier to reconfigure for different operational roles. It means different task-specific tooling skids can be readily added and changed as needed, along with custom designed options for specific operational needs. Such tooling can include manipulator packages, anvil and disc cutters, water-jetting equipment, torque tools, survey packages with camera booms, drill support and IRM tooling. The ROV also has a new autopilot system that gives the pilot more precise positioning of the vehicle by automatically holding depth and heading in much tighter parameters than ever before.

The Cougar XTi is an upgrade of the long proven Cougar concept, with breakthrough technology introduced from Saab Seaeye's flagship Jaguar electric work-ROV. Saab Seaeye's managing director, Dave Grant says, 'The Cougar XTi opens up a whole new market for the concept of a combined inspection and light work-ROV. Providing operation to 3000m depth the Cougar XTi can either perform tasks independently or provide support for the work of construction class hydraulic ROV's. It also brings important cost savings in deck space and can be provided with a compact single skid solution for the LARS.' The Cougar XTi is a development that will maintain Saab Seaeye's lead position as the largest manufacturer of electrically operated ROVs. Its parent company is Saab Underwater Systems, a world leader in sensor systems, precision engagement systems, and remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles. For DOF Subsea, the Cougar will add to the company's extensive capability in providing construction and engineering, IRM, ROV and survey support services to the world's major subsea markets. DOF Subsea employs over 800 highly qualified staff and own state of the art equipment including 26 offshore construction, diving and ROV support vessels, 37 ROVs, 1 AUV and 11 diving spreads.

For more information: Dave Grant Chris Roper Saab Seaeye Ltd. Roper Resources Ltd. / Symphotic TII Corp. +44 (0)1489 898000 (805) 798 0277 dgrant@seaeye.com Chris@RoperResources.com www.seaeye.com www.RoperResources.com

For Release
Reykjavik, December 2008
Low-logistics pipeline inspections now possible using Gavia AUV and AutoTracker Hafmynd Ehf, the maker of the Gavia AUV announces that AutoTracker active pipeline tracking capability from SeeByte Ltd is now available to our customers following integration trials carried out by Hafmynd and SeeByte in Iceland during October of 2008 when 36 km of pipe were successfully tracked in during operations AutoTracker is developed by SeeByte Ltd as a part of it's SeeTrack Offshore family which can be integrated into a Gavia payload allowing the Gavia AUV to autonomously track pipelines using the input of the onboard side scan sonar to maintain a constant offset from the pipe. While actively tracking the pipe the Gavia AUV is capable of using a number of sensors to conduct an inspection of the pipe including side scan and bathymetry and the possibility of other specialized payloads. In addition, AutoTracker includes advanced search routines that enable it to recover the pipeline track after an
unexpected pipeline burial. AutoTraker can be integrated into the standard Gavia AUV and also the 1000m depth rated Gavia. In addition to AutoTracker, the Gavia can mount an array of sensors for varied applications. According to Arnar Steingrimsson, Hafmynd's marketing manager, "Together with SeeByte Ltd, Hafmynd looks forward to providing all users of the Gavia technology with a new pipeline inspection capability in a deep rated, man portable form factor system, capable of gathering data sets at a substantial saving to the end user when compared to
using traditional means."

Background:
The Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) has been in development from 1997
when the Gavia program was started as a joint development with the University of
Iceland. The Gavia AUV is a highly versatile man portable AUV with a user configurable
modular construction. The Gavia can carry an array of sensors including cameras, side
scan sonar, IHO precision bathymetric sonar, and various environmental sensors. In
addition payloads such as SeeByte's AutoTracker and the Scanmatic AS developed Sonar
Training Target and other specialized payloads can be carried. Hafmynd is the
manufacturer of the Gavia and the sole owner of IP rights.

HAFMYND DELIVERS FIRST GAVIA SONAR TRAINING TARGET TO DANISH NAVY.

Reykjavik, September 2008

Recently Hafmynd successfully completed acceptance testing for the first ever Gavia Sonar Training Target (STT) to the Danish Navy for use in Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) training application.

Figure 1 Danish Navy and Hafmynd personnel after acceptance testing at Hafmynd facilities, Reykjavik

The Gavia STT configuration combines a standard Gavia AUV with a DVL aided INS and a Sonar Transponder Module (STM) which is based on the Sonar Calibration and Training (SONCAT) from Scanmatic AS of Norway, packaged into a specially designed Gavia payload module. The SONCAT is a buoy based simulated target system for testing sonars at sea and is currently in use by the Danish and Dutch navies, and by NATO FORACS Norway and Greece.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gavia AUV's for NATO NAMSA
Reykjavik, February 2009
Hafmynd Ehf, Reykjavik, Iceland and Clemaco Trading, Oostende, Belgium, Hafmynd's
distributor for Benelux proudly announce the recent award of contract by the NATO
Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA, www.namsa.nato.int ) LG Program for the
delivery of two Gavia systems and associated spares and support. The Gavia systems will
be delivered 1st quarter 2009 and will primarily be used for Mine Counter Measures
(MCM) applications by NATO Navies, but due to the modular nature of the Gavia
system these vehicles can readily be re-configured by the addition of Gavia modules to
conduct varied missions from hydrographic survey to Anti Submarine Warfare training.
According to Arnar Steingrimsson, Marketing Manager from Hafmynd, "These sales
to NAMSA LG mark an important milestone for Hafmynd and Clemaco in military sales
and we look forward to working with NAMSA LG and NATO navies in providing the
versatile Gavia technology for varied applications.'

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What's New at SAAB Seaeye:

November 04, 2009 Posted by Kmax | Tags: AUV, ROV, Underwater, Robotics,Robotic submarines, SAAB, SEAEYE, Inuktun, Contros.Remotely Operated Vehicle,Remote Intervention systems,Sub Sea Robotics,Iver2,AUV 62,Gavia,Autonomous Underwater Vehicle,Autonomous Intervention,Inspection ROV,Sidescan Sonars,Underwater Cameras,CO2 CH4 sensors,Visual enhancement technology