AUV VLIZ

Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee, Wandelaarkaai 7 8400 Oostende

http://www.vliz.be/en/auv-barabas

The AUV is a modular system and has a depth range up to 1000 meters. The AUV can be equipped with a multitude of sensors including, INS-DVL module (Phins C3 with pathfinder DVL), a side scan sonar with swath bathymetry option (Klein 3500), sub-bottom profiler (Benthos SBP), and science module with environmental sensors (see list below). Furthermore, the AUV is equipped with USBL solution (iXBlue GAPS USBL). This system setup allows seawater, seabed and sub-seafloor measurements related to chemical, biological, physical, geological and historical research from shelves to continental slopes.

The AUV has a cruising speed of 3 knots and a maximum speed of 5 knots, transported in a number of transport cases, and comes with a launch and recovery system net that can be deployed from an A-Frame (preferred) or side crane.

Acoustic modem (Benthos), Iridium satellite communication (mission data, no science data), RTK enabled GPS, iXBlue GAPS-transponder enables USBL-updates to the vehicle.

The modules available are (not to be used all at once):

1. Klein 3500 Side Scan Sonar with swath bathymetry
2. Teledyne Sub-Bottom Profiler
3. Science bay with the following optional sensors (not all at once).

3.1. RBR CTD

3.2 Aanderaa O2

3.3. Wetlabs Triplet

3.4. Suna Nitrate sensor

3.5. Pro-Oceanus, PCo2 sensor

3.6. USBL for high accuracy underwater navigation- requires GAPS on the support vessel.

4. RTK GPS capable navigation (through NTRIP)

5. Bottom facing black and white camera

Vehicle is equipped with a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) which is suitable for deployment and recovery off a large research vessel (A-Frame (preferably) or over side).

• Minimal deck space; 10m² (minimal 5m long)
• Storage room approx. 2m³
• Dry lab/workshop to work with electronic equipment minimal workbenches for two surveyors
• Over-the-Side crane of A-Frame for lifting AUV LARS
• Workboat for recovery/launch (preferred way of operation, other recovery methods available)

AUV Barabas will be available year-round and is available for operations world-wide, including polar seas.  This AUV is also available for development projects. Integration of new technologies/sensors into vehicle modules can also be considered.

Equipment transportation costs up to a maximum amount will be covered by Eurofleets+. Users should contact EurofleetsPlus@marine.ie prior to submitting an application to ensure shipment costs to and from their location are covered.   

Along with the vehicle, two field technicians will be provided for the operation, deployment and recovery, general mobilisation and operation of the vehicle.

Applicants are welcomed to discuss the initial feasibility of their work while they prepare their application with the operator of AUV Barabas at mrc@vliz.be