10,000m Class Remotely Operated Vehicle KAIKO
The KAIKO is a tethered Remotely Operated Vehicle capable of diving the deepest sea in the world, which is operated by Japan Marine Science & Technology Center (JAMSTEC).
It was developed for the purposes of conducting scientific researches in deep seas and carrying out preliminary site surveys for manned submersibles.
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., as the prime contractor, have undertaken and completed its design, manufacture and sea trials. In March 1995, the KAIKO succeeded in safely landing on the seabed of the Mariana Trench at as great a depth as 10,911m, which amply demonstrated its excellent capability. The KAIKO can carry out wide-range surveying while being towed, and precise surveying on and just above the seabed.
Features
(1)Display of clear panoramic realtime images through multiple TV cameras,
(2)Work with its highest workability of the manipulators,
(3)A wide-range acoustic survey while being towed,
(4)Ease to maneuver itself with various automatic control systems,
(5)Data communication system of 1,200Mbps class by adopting high-speed digital optical data link and
(6)Underwater operation for many hours at a great depth of sea.
The system of KAIKO consists of two major configurations. The one is composed with the maneuvering console and primary cable handling equipments of mother ship, and the other is the deepest underwater components adopted launcher system such as primary cable, launcher, secondary cable and vehicle.
The launcher is a stable underwater platform for the vehicle to be launched and recovered, which improve maneuvering the vehicle on the seabed for the scientific research under the automatic/remote control by the operators.
PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS
1)On ship :
?Maneuvering console by 1-leader and 3-operator
?Primary cable handling equipment : Cable store winch, Traction winch, Ram tensioner
?A-frame crane with launching/recovery gear
?Troilling platform for launcher/vehicle
2)Underwater
?Operable depth : 11,000m
?Launcher/Vehicle
