Saab Seaeye Leopard Increases in Performance and Tooling Options
With 11 thrusters, high-specification payload options and advanced technology features, the new Saab Seaeye Leopard is presented as the most powerful ROV of its size in the world. Aimed at the compact work-class market, the Leopard can handle more tooling, cameras and survey equipment than any other ROV in its class, according to Saab Seaeye’s documentation. The deck footprint of the Seaeye range is maintained with the combination of a 20 x 8ft single lift, A-Frame & winch LARS and a 20ft control cabin for transport and rapid mobilisation.
Operators can use the Leopard for a wide range of work tasks including drill support, pipeline survey, salvage and deep water IRM.
Its pack of eight horizontal thrusters and three vertical thrusters powers the vehicle forward at over four knots, and enabling it to hold steady in strong cross-currents. For the pilot, the vehicle's iCON control system gives enhanced information whilst independently managing each device on the vehicle, including auto redundancy that will keep the ROV working even with multiple equipment damage.
The pilot will also find that iCON delivers better handling characteristics - including pitch and roll stabilisation for the best quality survey data and to allow stable flight even with large tools and sensors deployed.
The networked design of the iCON control system has refined the main electronics pod into an intelligent power distribution and data hub, and re-located the brains of the system into sensors and actuators around the vehicle. This provides greater information for the user and makes maintenance far simpler and quicker.
This innovation avoids the need to partially dismantle the ROV to reach its electronic heart. And it offers building-block simplicity for equipment changes along with remote internet access for upgrades and support.
The chassis has been designed with rapid reconfiguration and easy maintenance in mind. A large open payload bay within the vehicle allows for ample tooling and survey sensors to be installed rapidly on sliding trays. Its one tonne through-frame-lift capability and four point docking system for tooling skids allows more demanding payloads to be added.
The combination of new chassis design, iCON building-block concept and exceptional power, means that more interchangeable equipment can be fitted than ever before in a vehicle of this size.
First to order the Leopard is Australian-based Dive Works Subsea Solutions. It is the fourth ROV they have bought from Saab Seaeye in the last ten years.
