ZM ROV - large tank probably needed!

[FUGU]

Here's a quick view of a ex Royal Navy ROV we picked up a while ago as a pet project and a distraction from daily work; actually one of five decommissoned having seen active service out in the first Gulf war with the Hunt class mine counter vessels and was possible one of the first craft to enter the minefields off Kuwait. Our ROV is marked as no. 310 and I'll update with some more info later.

One of these:

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/ZM_ROV1.jpg

From a batch of 5:

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/ZM_ROV6.jpg

View of the camera viewing port plus young passenger!

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/ZM_ROV4.jpg


View of the 100kg payload bay with right hand fairing removed:

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/ZM_ROV2.jpg


View of one on active duty - so you can see size!

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/ZM_ROV3.jpg

Launch of ROV - with explosive charge visable in payload bay:

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/ZM_ROV5.jpg

[Bradden]

Now we could have done with that when we had the meeting at Si G's house the other day! ... SPS Hoover was threatening to bring a slightly smaller verison to put in Si's tank. :)

[KeithM]

looks awesome...but what an earth do you need a counter mine vessel for?? :laugh:

[aqualityplace]

looks awesome...but what an earth do you need a counter mine vessel for?? :laugh:

Was thinking the same thing, if you can mod it to work on land I have a few ideas

[FUGU]

Haha.... yes, possibly a moment of madness but it fits in with a genuine interest in all things underwater and exploration; some people spend loads on concrete/marble statues or a painted canvas. Another way to look at it is 600+ kg of aluminium (so it doesn't set off magnetic mines), some navies still use this and the later mk5 model, it has the potential to go to over 1000 foot depths, one customer was interested in using one as remote tethered station to send/receive deep water signals to an experimental AUV sub, the payload has the potential to adaptable a bit like Thunderbird 2 (see manipulator and camera photo):

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk429/copeblob/sub1a.jpg

Another suggested use in the past has been diver support, or perhaps feed delivery to the depths! Of course it would be more sensible to have/use a smaller observation or small work class ROV but for the moment it remains a bit of fun.

Cheers

FUGU

[Kev s]

What sort of money was this, very roughly?

Did it come from an auction?

Very interesting buy, I think i'd be super claustrophobic in it though!

Kev

[FUGU]

Ahoy there!

Aqualityplace - large landgoing ex MOD buggy style ROV's with cameras and manipulators do come up occasionally. Tracked versions also come up.

Kev - individually anything from 1.5 - 2k upwards if you're lucky. We had the 5 ROV's as a job lot via someone who originally wanted to auction so got a deal. Original list price approx 350k excluding a whole bunch of accessories, vessel, and crew. The latter mk5 version with onboard sonar and more gizmos is sold for approx 700k+. Shiver me timbers!

FUGU

[aberdeen aquarist]

Now that's something interesting!!
I used to work for a company up here that produces sonar and other equipment for this type of vehicle and ones used by other navies accross the world. I now work for one that supplies them to oil companies, and they have resulted is some really interesting marine life videos/pictures being sent my way.

[FUGU]

Hi there AA - I was wondering if there was anyone out there with some hands on experience. I've seen that Kongsberg did transponders for the PAP's so were you doing the front mounted sonars on the RCMDS 2's? I had the opportunity to visit the PAP UK servicing company which was a great experience. I've seen some recent videos on the news bulletin underwatertimes of deep water squid seen off rigs; these vids must be a nice surprise for you when they turn up. I know 2 of the PAP's have made their way back to Scotland as static display outside a sea video company. Cheers, FUGU.