Saab Seaeye, the world’s largest manufacturer and market leader in electric ROV systems, and provider of autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles will showcase its four key underwater vehicles including the new double-hulled Sabertooth AUV/ROV at Seawork International which will be held in May in the in the Canary Islands Fruit Terminal, Southampton,UK.
Double-hulled Sabertooth AUV/ROV
The new double-hulled version of the Sabertooth offers twice the operational duration of the single-hulled Sabertooth launched last year. It can have a range of over 40 miles, has 14 hours duration and can be depth rated to 3000 metres.
The unique Sabertooth concept combines the technologies of both AUV and ROV into a single unified resource with the range and manoeuvrability of an AUV and the tooling capability of a light-work ROV.
Three operational modes are possible: autonomous roaming; attached fibre-optic cable and umbilical for power and communications.
It can embark on long-range programmable missions or under operator control around set targets, with obstacle avoidance and precise manoeuvrability. It can work down deep tunnels or inside complex structures where its 360 degree manoeuvrability allows it to orientate into any position − even directly up or down.
And in places where access is seasonally restricted, it can remain underwater for a year at an isolated location ready to be deployed as needed. Tooling packs can be stored at its docking station; batteries can be re-charged, data and video downloaded and fresh instructions uploaded.
Panther XT Plus
The new Panther XT Plus sees a breakthrough in power management that offers 50 per cent more power.
Fitted with ten powerful thrusters it can swim 30 per cent faster than any other electric work ROV in its class.
This unrivalled thruster power means that the Panther XT Plus can maintain position whilst working in strong currents greater than 4 knots.
For an operator, this exceptional number of thrusters also delivers a reassuringly high level of redundancy.
A greater payload, along with a re-designed frame, offers more heavy-duty power and space for fitting a greater range of tools and sensors, including industry standard Schilling seven function position feedback manipulators.
Having the work class capability of a small hydraulic work ROV, the Panther XT Plus, offers a considerably lower cost of ownership, including a need for a quarter less deck space than an equivalent hydraulic vehicle and fewer crew.
Cougar XT Compact
For operation in high currents and shallow waters typically encountered in offshore wind farm installations a new compact version of the successful Cougar range has been created to minimise the effect of current velocity.
The result is an ROV with a reduced frame size, buoyancy and weight. A thinner 17mm tether also minimises drag. Overall, the compact design has the highest thrust to weight ratio in its class.
The Cougar XT’s unrivalled power and manoeuvrability comes from six thrusters: four vectored horizontal thrusters and two vertical thrusters. Each has velocity feedback for precise control in all directions and is interfaced to a fast-acting control system and solid-state gyro for enhanced azimuth stability.
Falcon
With over 270 Falcon ROVs in use around the globe, its success has come from a design that makes it small enough to manhandle into the water, yet powerful enough to hold steady in strong cross currents and operate a range of accessories and tools.
Its trusted design is packed with technological innovations such as intelligent ‘plug-and-go’ electronics for rapid role-change during operations. This means that up to 128 different devices can be fitted, including extra cameras, lights, tracking system, manipulator and sonar, plus the option of adding special tooling on a removable skid.
For survey work, the Falcon has the advantage of a low electrical and acoustic noise signature that allows for optimum survey sensor data.
Its unrivalled manoeuvrability comes from five brushless DC thrusters with velocity feedback for precise and rapid control in all directions.
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, March 21, 2012; Image: Saab Seaeye