Development of deep-ocean work system

Abstract

The Navy is developing a deep-ocean work system comprised of manipulators and a variety of hydraulic tools integrated to accomplish meaning ful work tasks to ocean depths of 20,000 ft. The system can be readily adapted to the manned submersibles ALVIN, SEACLIFF, and TURTLE, and the robot vehicles CURV III and RUWS, to .extend their work capability. In addition, it can be positioned and controlled by divers or operated by itself from a surface support ship. The system was designed to perform a complete work operation on the sea floor without the necessity of resurfacing for tool interchange. Potential tasks include recovery, construction, installation, and repair operations. Low-light level TV cameras, with quartz-iodide flood lights, augment the vehicle operator's vision for tool exchange and work operations.