Mini-Ranger 2 for next level USV operations
Fugro is expanding the possibilities of remote marine operations with its growing fleet of SEA-KIT X-class uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and eROVs. Read on to learn how our Mini-Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) positioning system supports their remote capability.
The challenge
Leading geo-data specialist Fugro has a clear goal – to achieve safer, faster and more sustainable operations. One of the ways it’s doing that is by using uncrewed surface vessels (USV) to carry out subsea inspection, construction support and hydrographic and geophysical surveys operations.
Fugro’s fleet is initially being built with several 12 m-long SEA-KIT X class USVs, named Blue Essence™ by Fugro, with larger SEA-KIT designs planned. These vehicles are operated over-the-horizon from one of Fugro’s onshore global onshore remote operations centres (ROCs).
The Blue Essence™, Fugro Maali 12 m USV can be remotely launched and recovered by personnel at the ROC.
To ensure accurate control and high quality data gathering during its operations using the ROV, Fugro needed a suitable underwater Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) positioning system. In particular, Fugro was focused on shallow water inspection operations in 5 – 150 m water depth, that would involve long layback tracking.
The solution
Fugro selected our Mini-Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) underwater positioning system and a Wideband Sub Mini 6+ (WSM 6+) transponder/responder for tracking the ROV.
Mini-Ranger 2 provides a high level of performance without the complexity of a deep water USBL system. It’s compact and easy to install, yet supports tracking, telemetry and control with an operating range of 995 m, extendable to 4,000 m.
At its heart is our HPT 3000 transceiver. It’s low weight (9.5 kg in water) and power draw, so it has minimal impact on any USV’s key performance budgets. It’s optimized for use in shallow water, high elevation and long lay back operating scenarios, making it ideal for Fugro’s shallow water operations, as well as much deeper water work.
HPT 3000 is compatible with all our 6G transponder options, supporting a wide range of functionality, including tracking, telemetry and control. That can be with up to 10 targets simultaneously, whether that’s ROVs, AUVs or divers. It’s also popular for use in ocean data gathering, thanks to its high data rate data collection capability from underwater
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