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 rolling. 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.

A properly maintained SRV-8 can be in the water 15 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 300 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.

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.