Sub-Atlantic - Press Release - February 26, 2005

Sub-Atlantic Launch Comanche and Mohican Electric ROVs

Sub-Atlantic has introduced the new COMANCHE and MOHICAN ROVs, both featuring their new recently developed power transmissions and thrusters systems

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COMANCHE is a small 37.5 kW / 50 HP work-class ROV system that has been designed to carry two 7-function work manipulators such as the Schilling ‘Orion’ models. It incorporates a fully electric, seven thruster propulsion system, configured to provide high thrust and lifting capability. Two hydraulic systems can be incorporated to provide power for manipulators, tools, skids and well intervention. Standard depth rating in 2000 or 3000 metres / 6560 or 9840 feet depending on the buoyancy module chosen, payload is 150 kg / 330lbs. A 3000 Volt/400 Hz power transmission system allows the use of an 18mm / 0.7 inch diameter tether, giving the Comanche excellent station keeping during long tether excursions. Comanche is equipped with seven (4 horiz, 3 verts) Sub-Atlantic's unique SPE250 brushless DC thrusters which can continue running when full of seawater and deliver thrust up to 100 kgf / 220 lbf each.

MOHICAN is a high spec inspection platform specifically designed for working in high current and tidal locations such as Southern North Sea where the operational window is limited to periods of slack tides. The benefit that Mohican provides is to increase the operational window when using long tether excursions, resulting in the reduction of vessel time and costs. This has been achieved by producing a compact, low drag ROV, featuring high power thrusters, a small low drag tether and Sub-Atlantic's 'Dynamic Vectoring' system. The Mohican comes with three simultaneous video channels transmitted through a fibre optic telemetry system for sharp, high quality video inspections. The ROV is also equipped with additional power sources to allow the attachment of tool skids such as high pressure jetting and cleaning used in platform inspections. Mohican is also particularly well suited for long tunnel inspections and deep live-boating operations.

As with the Comanche, 3000 Volt/400 Hz power transmission system allows the use of an 17mm / 0.65 inch diameter tether, giving the Comanche excellent station keeping during long tether excursions. Comanche is equipped with six (4 horiz, 2 verts) Sub-Atlantic's unique SPE180 brushless DC thrusters which can continue running when full of seawater and deliver thrust up to 50 kgf / 110 lbf each.

Both the Comanche and Mohican have been designed using Sub-Atlantic’s small vehicle technologies making them extremely cost effective and simple to operate, maintain by a two-man crew.

For further details, contact Scott McLay
scott.mclay@sub-atlantic.co.uk