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www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 43 Saab Seaeye: ROVs Make Military Inroads Technological development is increasing the use of ROVs in the defense world. The Russian Navy for instance set up a rapid response air transportable Saab Seaeye ROV system to support stricken submariners. Another of their ROVs helped locate a crashed helicopter, then carried out a video survey before supporting divers in its recovery. Other navies use ROVs in the range of salvage work such as tor- pedo recovery; and portable versions, like the Seaeye Falcon, being used for rapid deployment from an exposed RIB or light launch. A number of Falcons have been sold to the British, American, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Rumanian and New Zealand armed forces. The Finnish Navy Research Institute chose one because differ- ent equipment could be easily added and changed as needed. In particular they fitted a Tritech super-seeking sonar and altimeter, together with an Ore ROV tracking system and single function manipulator. They reportedly also liked the ease by which this portable ROV can be transported and deployed from a mother ship. Now a new generation of ROVs is emerging. These are offering defense forces more power and operational capability, yet with more rapid mobility. Packed with technolog- ical innovation, this particular vehicle is the most advanced of its type in the world. Deep-swimming, it can handle a range of vital tasks including object recovery, deep water survey and salvage. Its new simplified control system, with built-in intelligence, means new pilots can be trained faster, and the conversion of experi- enced pilots made easier. Vital for defense operations is finger-tip maneuverability in difficult conditions, including holding steady in strong cross currents. This matters in an ROV, whether it be a large and powerful or fully portable. clandestine undersea mobility will significantly expand the range of options available in the war on terrorism. "The ASDS success during the test with USS Michigan is just another 'first' in a long stream of 'firsts' that ASDS has been involved in. This first-of-its-kind system pro- vides an operational capability to our SEAL forces in any environment," said Dennis Gallimore, Northrop Grumman's ASDS Program Director. "ASDS is a transformational system that provides our naval forces, and our highly trained and valued SEAL personnel, with the most technologically advanced equipment in order to survive and succeed in critical special combat missions." The ASDS is a combat sub- mersible developed by Northrop Grumman for the Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The ASDS Program is a joint program between Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News, bringing together world class submarine, manned submersible, and undersea systems capabilities to ensure the reliability and mission readiness of the ASDS. EdgeTech Gets UK MoD Contract EdgeTech's 2200-S 850 kHz Dynamically Focused Side Scan System will be installed on the Hydroid REMUS 600 AUVs recently ordered by the UK Ministry of Defence. The 850 kHz dynamically focused frequency pro- vides extra high resolution imagery at longer ranges which makes it a tool for Mine Countermeasure (MCM) surveys. The EdgeTech 2200-S systems will also be used by the Royal Navy for hydrographic surveys and environmental assessments. The EdgeTech 2200-S System is designed specifically for small AUVs and comes available with a choice of dual simultaneous 120 & 410 or 230 & 540 kHz frequencies or 230 with 850 kHz dynamically focused frequency. Other fre- quency combinations are also possible. For additional information, visit www.edgetech.com MTR#4 (33-48).qxd 5/13/2008 10:27 AM Page 43
