NAUTILE


 

The submersible capable of exploring 97% of the world's ocean floors




General characteristics
Depth rating 6000Êm 
Weight in air (for dives to 6000Êm) 19.30Êt 
Dimensions: 
length 8.00Êm 
width 2.70Êm 
height 3.81Êm 
Manned sphere: 
crew 3 men 
inside diameter 2.10Êm 
titanium alloy material 
3 portholes (diameter 120Êmm) 
pitch and trim control by mercury pump ±8¡ 
Power by lead battery; capacity at 6000Êm: 
37ÊkWh for 230ÊV 
6,5ÊkWh for 28ÊV 
Main propeller: 1 axial motor 
Auxiliary propellers: 
2 vertical thrusters 
2 lateral thrusters (1 at back, 1 at front) 
Top speed: 1.7Êknot 
Underwater range at 1.5Êknot: 7.5Êkm 
Autonomy (work on seafloor): 5Êhours 
Autonomy (safety): 120Êhours 
Telemanipulation/degrees of freedom: 
gripping arm: 5 
manipulator: 7 
Hydraulic stations: 2 
Communications: 
underwater telephone 
acoustic transmission of video pictures and data 
Miscellaneous equipment 
1 scanning sonar 
2 video cameras 
2 photo cameras 
Three 650ÊW tungsten spot lights 
Three 400ÊW HMI spot lights 
1 data acquisition system 

Functions of the equipment

On the support vessel
Surface navigation equipment determines precisely the position of the support vessel through successive satellite readings;

data processing equipment is used to sort measurements and observation data obtained during dives.
A detailed analysis of recorded data takes place on land at the end of the campaign;

handling equipment is used for launching and retrieving the submersible;

logistics equipment is designed for submersible maintenance and reconditioning between dives. 

On the submersible
underwater navigation system interrogates acoustic transponders in order to calculate the submersible's position;

manipulation system includes two mechanical arms and a retractible and isothermic sampling basket;

data acquisition system includes a set of sensors used to record altitude, pressure, temperature, course, time and speed. Data are stored for subsequent analysis;

video pictures and data transmission system uses acoustic waves for transmission between the bottom and the surface. 

For the submersible
a small robot (Robin) telecontrolled by the Nautile is able to identify, inspect and take videos and photos of areas inaccessible to the submersible;

a complete range of standard and special tools can be specifically designed for particular tasks.



Fields of operation


Exploration of specific zones 
High precision bathymetric coverage 
Collection of samples and manipulation of special tools 
Assistance in the execution of offshore assignments 
Study of layouts, monitoring of cables and pipelines 
Search, location and investigation of wrecks 
Assistance for submersibles in distress 

Since its weight is outstandingly low (19.3Êtons) in relation to its service depth, it can be supported by a vessel of relatively light tonnage and has excellent manoeuvrability. 

The following features give the submersible its wide range of capabilities: 
a hydrodynamic external shape, with low drag and improved manoeuvring possibilities; 
new equipment for acoustic navigation, tracking, data acquisition and photography; 
a manipulation system including two mechanical arms and a rectractable sampling basket; 
a high payload (200Êkg) enabling installation of extra equipment, use of special tools and improved sampling means; 
wide field of view obtained by means of 3Êportholes and 6Êpowerful lights making colour identification easier; 
an acoustic transmission unit for sending video pictures to the surface; 
redundancy of essential functions and a jettison device (used if the submersible becomes entangled or stuck on the seabed or if it accidentally loses buoyancy), give the vehicle a reassuringly high level of safety. 

References
Research teams in France and abroad 
Oil companies 
French and foreign Navies 
Survey commissions 
Wreck localization and survey 
Underwater archeology 
French and foreign television channels 


These technical specifications are provided by Genavir,Ê Ifremer vessels shipowner. For further information :
 Access to the Genavir server


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Updated on 04/10/01
Ifremer © 2001