8 independent thrusters give full 360° maneuverability along 6 axes. The operator “flies” the SRV-8 like a quad-copter. Advanced programming reduces the time needed to train an operator. Using a standard joystick controller, which allows near-instant familiarity, the ROV can perform complex maneuvers such as crabbing, climbing and pitching. Or, it can be moved up, down, left, right, forwards or backwards with a single thumbstick to allow precision station-keeping without changes in attitude. Software smarts enable hold functions where the SRV-8 can be locked onto a specific heading, depth or pitch angle allowing the user to perform complex underwater tasks not otherwise possible without the stability and control from the SRV-8’s 8-thruster design.

A properly maintained SRV-8 can be in the water 5 minutes or less after arriving at the launch site. Deploying from two large suitcase-sized containers, waterproof quick connectors link ROV to tether to topside box & controller (with 8.4” sunlight readable monitor) – all in a matter of minutes. The sealed battery modules (available in Lithium or NiMH) are hot-swappable for extending the mission as long as needed. Being battery operated, there is no requirement for a topside generator, providing the ability to operate from any platform.

In addition to getting up to 6+ hours of operation on a single charge (using Lithium batteries), the batteries provide enough power to get the SRV-8 on-station as rapidly as possible. The SRV-8 is rated to depths as low as 305 meters (1,000 ft). The tether reel supports lengths up to 400m (1,312 ft) and the small diameter (4.5mm) of the tether itself reduces the effect of drag, weight and current on the ROV, making maneuvers and station-keeping easier. And with the uniquely designed strain relief connection and a pull strength rated over 300lbs, the tether can be used for launch and recovery of the SRV-8 from high platforms, or used to aid in the recovery of large heavy objects from the sea floor.

The SRV-8 is the “window in the water”. Two 1,500 lumen LED lights penetrate the depths with about a third of the brightness of full sunlight. Combined, the lights illuminate 135° in front of the ROV, enabling the operator to find their target faster. Additional lights can be easily added to the frame. The onboard camera delivers dual feeds – a clear, real-time analog feed for the operator, and a high resolution digital signal suitable for viewing on-site or recording for later analysis.