Factory tests complete for UK Ministry of Defence’s ROTV system
A newly developed containerized remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV) system, created for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), has successfully completed factory acceptance tests (FAT) just six months after the contract was awarded to Danish subsea engineering specialist EIVA. Through containerization, this innovative survey solution enables hydrographic surveys with multiple acoustic sensors and instruments to be conducted from various host platforms, allowing for rapid deployment and operational flexibility.
“The agility with which this total solution has been developed showcases that by combining our efforts with several strong players in the market, we can leverage our many years of experience. Together, we make way for new possibilities in defence and other maritime markets,” said Christian Thomsen, CEO, EIVA.
The components of this advanced survey solution include SH Group’s 20’ Cube container module and launch and recovery system for EIVA’s ScanFish L ROTV, which is equipped with Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav Mini hybrid INS/DVL and Voyis’ Observer Pro optical camera and Insight Pro laser scanner. Two dedicated computer workstations are integrated into the container, each equipped with EIVA’s NaviSuite software, to efficiently process and analyse the collected data.
“After visiting EIVA headquarters for the FAT, we were extremely happy with the system developed. The EIVA team have worked hard to deliver a capability that will expand the survey capability of our ships, enhancing survey operations and features within our Future Military Data Gathering programme. We look forward to the next steps including commission testing and training with the Royal Navy’s specialist hydrographic teams,” said Lieutenant Commander Mark Butcher, Royal Navy.
EIVA is cooperating with Forcys, a global maritime defence company and EIVA’s sister company in the Covelya Group, to ensure the solution aligns with the current requirements of navies for portability, flexibility, scalability and standardization.
