Observing, Measuring and Sampling Ocean Floor Processes to 11,000 meters A Hybrid ROV The Future in the 4 th Dimension

The National Deep Submergence Facility at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides the world’s best operational fleet of synergistic deep submergence vehicle systems for oceanographic research.

Proven Team Long time development and operational expertise  Alvin  New Alvin Design  Jason I  Jason, Jr.  Jason II  6500-meter, multi-capable ROV  $3.7M built in < 2 years  Isis  6500-meter ROV built for U.K. SOC  Towed side-scan, cameras  ABE (Autonomous Benthic Explorer)  meter AUV (capable of hovering)  Numerous, successful deep ocean missions  SPAWAR, inventor and developer of FOMC

Jason II Operations 250 lbs. of payload, with 300 lb. tool sled Highly flexible science interfaces Two spatially correspondent master-slave manipulators High efficiency electrical propulsion with large capacity auxiliary hydraulic supply 500 lbs. of thrust in each axis Large telescoping sample drawer with two side mounted swing arms Proven operations to 6,500 meters (deepest diving operational ROV worldwide) Heavy lift capability 1.5 ton at maximum operational depth

Autonomous Benthic Explorer (ABE)

HROV in ROV mode with fiber optic micro cable

Note: If a submarine is the launch platform, the armored cable depressor might be eliminated.

Hybrid AUV/ROV for 11,000-meter Operation AUV configurationROV configuration

Fiber Optic Micro Cable (FOMC) Size: inch diameter to inch diameter Weight in water: 1 lb/km for FOMC vs. 50 lb/km for armored cable Initially tested to 20,000 psi with no optical attenuation. SSC San Diego developed and controls the FOMC specification. SSC San Diego is Navy’s liaison for FOMC.

Why SSC San Diego? SSC San Diego experienced with high pressure fiber optic cable design. Significant experience in FOMC modeling. Several program achievements utilizing FOMC/deployment canisters. SSC San Diego developed the precision FOMC winding procedure and performs all winding for US Navy platforms. Has wound over 10 million meters. Only SSC San Diego winding provides pre-twist required to prevent hockling. SSC San Diego proofs wind-ability and deployability of all new micro-cable designs.

Gannt Chart

Oversight Panel Representatives from various scientific disciplines Representatives from related engineering groups Community oversight groups such as DESSC, UNOLS, NAVY(?) Members chosen in consultation with sponsoring agencies Meets twice/year at key milestones

Deliverables Tested 11KM HROV platform FOMC payout system demonstration for 11Km and large horizontal separations. Telemanipulation system extendable to AUV type operations Sensor systems for 11km use:  Scanning sonar  CTD  Cameras (electronic still, video)  Navigation suite (DVL, LBL)  Multibeam sonar, subbottom profiler (pending additional support)

Budget Overview Need funding by year and agency numbers

SPAWAR FOMC System Development (B. Fletcher, SSC PI) Year 1: Concept Development - Definition of required fiber characteristics - Design of fiber and payout canisters and deployment system - Build prototype and test canisters and fiber - Test fiber and canisters - Test fiber system on Alvin Year 2: System Testing - Refine system design based on tests - Build vehicle fiber system Year 3: System Integration and Demonstrations - Integrate fiber system on the Hybrid ROV - Test system in conjunction with vehicle tests - Final system demonstration

Summary Team with proven deep submergence track record:  WHOI  Jason II: 6500-meter ROV  ABE: 5000-meter AUV  Alvin Cutting edge technology development  Wide variety of platform and mission applications  Platform friendly launch, recovery, position keeping Full ocean depth at minimum cost  Under ice  Adaptable to shallow water  High sea state Tech transfer plus in-house development expertise Highly leveraged project  NSF (NOAA): $4.5M  Navy: $1.1M