Deep Ocean, Large Area Search/Survey

Driven under the same technology that made REMUS-100 a leading force in AUV technology, REMUS-6000  was created, with support from ONR and the Naval Oceanographic Office, to go to deeper depths and longer mission duration.  Loaded with an 11 kWh rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, REMUS-6000 can swim in its standard configuration up to 22 hours at speeds up to 4 knots (2.06 m/s).   The standard configuration consists of an ADCP, CTD, sidescan sonar and a High-Resolution digital still camera. In the first part of 2006, we began the assembly and sensor configuration for REMUS-6000 #3.  Our goal was to have it in the water for local testing by April 1st and we succeeded. 

The REMUS Launch and Recovery System has made over 1000 successful launch and recoveries to date.  Due to the vehicle's larger size, this self-contained system has been engineered here at WHOI in the OSL.  It enables the L & R of the vehicle in sea states up to those created by the Beaufort Scale 5 winds. 

It requires only one operator and, therefore, does away with the need to use tag lines eliminating extra people on deck and creating a safer working environment.

LARS is installed on the stern of a ship. For launch, the LARS has a built-in A-frame, which tilts the cradle up and over, while leaving the vehicle hanging by its nose well clear of the fantail. The cradle supports the vehicle during A-frame rotation, stabilizing the vehicle until it is a safe distance from the stern. The docking head provides damping to reduce swing in heavy seas. The vehicle is then lowered into the water, tail first, while the ship is making approximately 1-2 knots forward way (this allows the vehicle to stay well clear of the ships screws). All systems are given one final checkout before release. When ready, the vehicle is commanded to release its tow-line and begin its mission.

Fig A. 5 meter altitude electronic still camera image, with 200 W-S strobe illumination

Fig. B 900 kHz, 30 meter range scale sonar image of sunken boat in 3,500 meters acquired with the REMUS-6000 (SAMS) vehicle.

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