Vessels and Vehicles - ROV Tiburon
| Specifications & Instrumentation | Detailed Image | Construction |
| Documentation (internal access only) |
Tiburon Pilots |
ROV Tiburon core vehicle specifications
ROV Tiburon is an integrated, unmanned submersible, developed at the
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Tiburon is deployed
and operated from MBARI's SWATH research vessel, R/V
Western Flyer.
- Depth Capability
Maximum depth: 4000 meters (13,123 feet)
Minimum operating depth: 200 meters (656 feet) - Forward speed
1.5 knots (maximum with no tether drag)
0.500 knot (at 4000 meters)
- Vertical speed
Descent: 35 meters/minute
Ascent: 25 meters/minute - Vehicle weight
Tiburon + toolsled maximum: 3356.6 kg (7500 lbs.)
- Payload
Maximum toolsled weight: 499 kg (1100 lbs.)
Maximum toolsled weight in salt water: 204 kg (450 lbs.)
Adjustable at 2.27 kg/minute (5 lbs/minute)
- Power
Total power available: 15 kW
Thruster motors: 6 @ 3.7 KW (5 HP)
Thrust: 978.56 N (220 lbs.) each motor
High voltage: 240 VDC (±15%)
Low voltage: 48 VDC (±15%) 24 VDC, 12 VDC
- Toolsled Interfaces
Electrical Power: 20 Amps @ 250 volts (5 KW)
Communicationsv RS485 serial bus, RS232c, Ethernet (802.3)
Hydraulic Power: 13.25 L/min (3.0 gal/min) @ 17,237 kPa (2850 psi)
- Hardware and software features summary
Mission-specific toolsled packages for benthic and midwater dives
Precision manipulator arm capable of Kraft or Schilling
Integrated scientific sensors and data logging
Control room displays
Adjustable high resolution video cameras and high-definition digital video camera with coordinated lighting
Stationary video cameras and lights
Video recorder (Digital Betacam) and high-definition recorder
Fiber optic telemetry
Electric thrusters for precise control, high thrust levels, and quiet operation
Variable buoyancy system for low-disturbance operation at all depths and during sampling operations
Equipped to deploy tools and collect samples
Provision for placement, servicing, and retrieval of instrument packages
Electric and hydraulic power available for equipment not normally part of the ROV
Instrumentation (a partial listing):
- High resolution color video with zoom, high accuracy pan/tilts, and high-definition camera
- HMI lighting
- Acoustic Doppler Speed log
- Conductivity
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Dissolved Oxygen
- Transmissometer
- Imaging sonar
- Altimeter (echo sounder)
- Manipulator S.C. seven-function with force feedback.