Así es ROV Defender, el robot que prueba Reino Unido para evitar los sabotajes de Rusia a los cables submarinos

Key Features of the ROV Defender

The Royal Navy is testing the VideoRay Defender, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), to address threats to underwater infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines. This follows incidents like the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. The ROV is highly maneuverable, compact, and lightweight, making it easily transportable. Its modular design allows for various configurations and attachments, enabling adaptability to diverse tasks.

ROV Capabilities and Specifications

The Defender boasts several key features:

• Depth: A nominal depth of 305 meters, adaptable to 1000 meters.
• Cable Reach: 1500 meters of fiber optic cable.
• Maneuverability: Seven thrusters enable six-axis control.
• Imaging: Full HD camera with 160° rotation and 16x digital zoom.
• Lighting: 2 sets of individually controllable LED lights.

Its modular nature allows for up to 500 different configurations, incorporating sonar, manipulators, and other tools for various missions.

Royal Navy and US Navy Applications

The British Royal Navy is using the Defender to detect and neutralize unexploded ordnance, improving the safety of divers and vessels. The US Navy has also awarded a contract for over $30 million to enhance its operational capabilities using this ROV. The focus is on improving maritime security, reconnaissance, and response capabilities.

Collaboration and Development

The ROV's capabilities have been enhanced through collaboration with several companies including Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne, and ECS Special Projects. This collaboration involved the integration and development of various systems to optimize the ROV for underwater threat detection and neutralization.