"NAVAJO RO SYSTEM"

At last, a truly capable ROV system suitable for offshore and inshore use. NAVAJO’s size and weight allow it to be transported and deployed from a car, yet it is large enough to provide a stable platform for video/sonar surveys unlike many “miniature” systems on offer today. NAVAJO has also been designed to carry and control dedicated task-specific work skids as well as small manipulators making this vehicle more than just an “eyeball”. Enhanced reliability and low cost of purchase and ownership have been achieved by the elimination of cables and connectors, Sub-Atlantic’s unique “wet” thruster and a simple modular design using corrosion resistant plastics. Finally, NAVAJO’s streamlined shape and high power thrusters mean you will still be in the water working when the others can’t handle the current.

ROV System Components

The main system components consist of the following:

1. Surface Control Unit (SCU)

The SCU is a 5U high, 19” rack module and incorporates the main power and the vehicle control systems. This compact unit contains power conditioning and a Line Insulation Monitoring (LIM) electrical safety system, vehicle telemetry, light dimmers, automatic depth & heading control (altitude optional) and video overlay system. Work skid functions are also controlled from the SCU. Two main cables connect to the SCU, the main power supply and the ROV umbilical. Power requirements are 80 to 264 VAC, 47 to 440 Hz, 3.0 to 4.8 kW. A portable 7U high, 19” rack flight case is available which incorporates the SCU and a fold-away flat panel monitor and weighing 41 kg (90 lbs).

2. Hand Controller

The Hand Controller is used for vehicle flying and is connected to the SCU by an interconnect cable. Standard hand controller is a Sony PS2 joystick as most operators will be familiar with this format. An optional ‘professional’ hand controller can also be supplied. Both options are interchangeable.

3. Umbilical

The 14 mm diameter umbilical is connected between the SCU and the ROV where it is terminated using a single metal shell electrical connector.

4. NAVAJO Vehicle (ROV)

The NAVAJO vehicle consists of three main assemblies, these being the Propulsion Module, Imaging Module and Frame.

Propulsion Module

The Propulsion Module is located at the rear and consists of an electronic housing incorporating structural mountings for the four thrusters and connectors for the umbilical and imaging module. Power supplies and telemetry are located inside this module with fast access y removing a bayonet fixing cap. The Imaging Module is located at the front of the vehicle, consists of a crystal clear acrylic tubular viewport with clear domed ends. It contains a tilting platform fitted with a Sony colour zoom camera, a low light mono camera, a 50 Watt dimmable halogen flood lamp and two spot lasers. Additionally, there are two 20 Watt high intensity discharge (HID) spot lamps located in each dome facing forward, each giving the equivalent of 60 Watts of Halogen light. A flux gate compass is also included. The lasers provide a means of simple measurement by projecting two parallel beams on to the viewed object. The hydro-dynamically formed Frame is manufactured entirely from high impact and corrosion resistant plastic materials. It is easily dismantled for fast access to the internal components. Mounting holes are located below, in front and above for fitting work skids and tools.

 

 






Telemetry System & Spare Functionality

Downlink - 8 analogue channels, 12 bit resolution. 16 digital switch channels. Uplink – 8 analogue channels, 12 bit resolution, 16 digital switch channels. Telemetry baud rate – 57.6k Communication – one RS485 and one free RS232 Spare functionality inbuilt as standard: 8 switchable relays, 4 digital and 1 analogue uplink, 2 analogue downlink, RS232 communications and 24 & 300 vdc power supplies with user defined spare power supply slot.

Propulsion System

The vehicle is propelled by four of Sub-Atlantic’s innovative SPE-75 ‘wet’ thrusters (two axials, one lateral and one vertical). The thrusters are designed to run full of water or oil.
Each thruster incorporates a quick-change twoscrew structural and electrical connection to the Propulsion Module allowing change-out in minutes.

Interfacing Work Skids, Tools & Manipulator

The NAVAJO has been designed to attach dedicated neutrally buoyant work packages and manipulator systems. These can be designed by the user or supplied by Sub-Atlantic to customer’s specification. Sub-Atlantic will be developing a range of standard tools in the near future. Contact us for details.

Optional Equipment

The NAVAJO will support the following additional equipment which is available as options to the standard specification: -

• Dual Frequency Sonar
• Low Cost Sonar
• Profiling Sonar
• Side Scan Sonar
• Bathymetric and Oceanographic Sensors
• CP and Wall Thickness Probes
• 1, 2 and 3 Function Manipulators

Optional Deployment Systems

• Tether Management System (TMS)
• Launch & Recovery System (LARS A-Frame with integrated Umbilical System
• Crane, Sheave, Lock-latch and Bullet