Refit for Canadian Navy’s Trailblazer MCM ROV

The Canadian Navy’s mine-countermeasures (MCM) remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is ready to be returned to the customer after its recent refit by International Submarine Engineering Ltd. For ISE project manager Andrew Ronan, TrailBlazer 25 was his first refit of a vehicle. He concluded that, even at 20 years old, Trailblazer puts newer systems in the shadow on the mine range.

TrailBlazer, a 25 HP vehicle, is a testament to ISE’s long-standing service to a system. It has been in operation with the Canadian Navy since 1995. TrailBlazer 25 is within a non-expendible family of ISE MCM ROVs that are capable of detecting long or short tethered mines as well as bottom mines. TrailBlazer is the only MCM ROV capable of breakouts, utilising the streamlined ROV at high speed. TrailBlazer is also equipped with a mini 5-function manipulator and a cable cutting tool, well suited for its compact frame.

The relationship between Canada’s naval staff and ISE is a long one - one that makes it a quick turnaround time when the vehicle is in for a refit. Transferring the technical system knowledge for a vehicle like TrailBlazer is something ISE staff do quite regularly.

The configuration of this quick performing ROV is streamlined, which makes transporting and facilitating its component also a quick and easy procedure. TrailBlazer 25, its winch, control systems, and all peripheral equipment fits into one standard 20ft container for ease and speed of transport.

TrailBlazer 25 MCM ROV has proven its usefulness and continues to be a critical component in the CN’s list of MCM equipment. The system provides a fully functional, transportable option for the Canada’s Navy, ready for service when required.