Canada-based underwater systems and robotics manufacturer, International Submarine Engineering (ISE), has recently completed the sale of its latest ISE Explorer AUV to China Ocean Mineral Resource R&D Association (COMRA).
This ISE Explorer AUV is the first rated for operations at 6000 meters depth.
The modular design of the ISE Explorer enables it to carry multiple payloads, including Multibeam Echosounders, Sidescan Sonars, Sub-bottom Profilers, Synthetic Aperture Sonars, High Definition Cameras and Laser Systems, CTDs and chemical sensors, or any combination of AUV payloads. Additional battery sections can be added to extend the endurance from 24 hours up to 72 hours.
According to the company, the manoeuvrability of the ISE Explorer is unmatched in industry and allows the vehicle to make tight turns, avoid obstacles, and dive steeply.
This manoeuvrability, combined with the vehicles high survey speed and 3-hour turnaround time on deck, allows the ISE Explorer to cover more ground, collect more data, and offer more survey efficiency than the competition, ISE claims.