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US Naval Academy Purchases VideoRay Underwater Robots - November 08, 2004

US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD replaces ROVs lost during Hurricane Isabelle – 8-Pound Remotely Operated Vehicle Provides Foundation for Coursework.

VideoRay announced today that the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, has purchased two VideoRay Pro III remotely operated vehicles, each identically outfitted with a SeaSprite scanning sonar, extension tether, training, 15-inch picture-in-picture monitor and manipulator arm valued at over $75,000.

The VideoRay will be used in Midshipman education, ocean engineering coursework and labs, and faculty research, according to Commander William Marr, Ph.D., P.E., of the Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering Department at the US Naval Academy. The VideoRay replaces two ROVs that were destroyed in Hurricane Isabelle, which swept through Annapolis, Maryland, last September.

“We were looking for an ROV that was lightweight, easy to use, and had good capabilities,” says Dr. Marr, who first saw the VideoRay in operation during the Underwater Intervention show in New Orleans last year. “The VideoRay will give the seniors hands-on training and show them how well a real ROV system can work.”

The order by the US Naval Academy follows a recent order by the US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC for VideoRay micro-ROVs, accessories, and training totaling $451,405.00 USD.

About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

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WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.