View Platform

The Kraken2 (K2) vehicle is a purpose-built "science class" ROV capable of operating to depths of up to 1000 meters. With its attached tool skid, the K2 vehicle has a combined dry weight of approximately 2300 lbs and measures 39 inches wide x 84 inches long x 67 inches high. The attachable light bar extends the overall system footprint to approximately 100 inches in length, excluding all configurable lighting and imaging systems. The K2 platform uses a dual tether, down-weight system, comprised of a main 1220 meter electro-optic, strength (Kevlar) reinforced umbilical spooled on an oceanographic winch that is coupled to a secondary 45 meter electro-optic flying tether. A variable weight depressor frame, configured between 500-1000 pounds, provides a junction point for this transition as well as isolation between the vehicle's movements and those of the support vessel above. A modified 20' ISO shipping container provides the primary control environment incorporating all power, control, navigation, and data recording equipment associated with the K2 platform. Along with providing accommodations for the ROV pilot, navigator, and two science personnel, this space also doubles as the primary workshop from which all routine vehicle maintenance is performed. In order to meet the diverse needs of a science class research platform, the K2 ROV was purposely developed with accommodations to support a wide assortment of scientific sampling, imaging, and data collection devices in various mounting arrangements. In it's current form, the K2 ROV provides the following core capabilities: - Support for up to two simultaneous hi-definition (HD-SDI) and four standard definition (NTSC) video feeds and up to nine independent video and digital still cameras (HD and SD) configured on the vehicle. Emphasis on application of multiple, simultaneous camera systems for qualitative and quantitative imaging and recording on multiple formats; e.g. Hi-definition video, down-looking video cameras for orthogonal imagery during transects, manipulator camera for imaging in hard to reach spaces, sampling cameras, and digital still imaging. - Independent contact closure to support 35mm or similarly triggered devices. - Support for up to two sets of independently switched parallel laser pairs for size scaling and image calibration (20cm typical). - Support for up to four individually switched lighting circuits (1 to 2 lights per circuit) offering a flexible combination of lighting systems and configurations. - Heavy duty center-positioned pan/tilt unit with potentiometer feedback to accommodate various imaging, lighting, and scaling systems. Includes logged and user-selectable "home" pan and tilt settings for repeatable transects. - Provision of independently switched electrical power supply ports in both DC (5, 12, 24V) and AC (120V) to support a range of user supplied subsea sampling tools and sensors. - Provision of independent serial data ports (RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422) to accommodate a range of data transmission and control requirements. - Provision of independent Ethernet ports available as an expansion capability. - 6-Funtion HYDRO-LEK hydraulic manipulator with various claw and wrist attachments (i.e. coral cutter, scoop tool, camera mount, etc.) supporting physical and biological sample collection, device deployment, component recovery, and other manipulative functions. - Secondary 6-function HYDRO-LEK hydraulic valve pack (+/- 2400PSI) to support science sampling applications and devices. - Integrated support for one Kongsberg Simrad Mesotech Ltd. Digital sector scanning sonar head with surface controlled interface (1 @ 1500m and 1 @ 6000m). - Kongsberg Simrad Mesotech Ltd. 1007 Altimeter for accurate altitude measurements and data logging. - Configurable specialized sampling tools and containers to accommodate physical, chemical and biological sampling requirements; including 1) a 12"w X 36"l X 10"h insulated polypropylene "biobox"