Double-hulled Sabertooth
The UK ROV manufacturer Saab Seaeye launched its new double-hulled Sabertooth AUV/ROV at Oceanology International. This new version of the Sabertooth offers twice the operational duration of the single-hulled Sabertooth launched in 2011. The Sabertooth concept combines the technologies of both AUV and ROV into a single unified resource.
The result is a vehicle 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.
With a typical duration of more than 14 hours and depth rated option to 3,000 metres, it can embark on either long-range programmable missions or under operator control around set targets, with obstacle avoidance and precise manoeuvrability, including working 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.