The SASS (Survey Autonomous Semi-Submersible) concept originated in 1995, which vehicle technology that involves a submerged torpedo-like body running just below wave depth with a ballasted keel for stability and a strong upright fared strut or spar protruding through the water surface. As a submersible, a SASS vehicle floats at operating depth and does not rely on forward speed for depth control. The command and control system has a display showing local charts in either raster or vector format and does waypoint prediction and planning. The SASS vehicle solves the problem of launch and recovery from two directions, avoids recovery whenever possible by use of the 'take station' mode, and uses the stable, rigid spar to ease recovery task when this is unavoidable. Unlike a manned surface vessel, a SASS vehicle is very difficult to see in a seaway, as it makes little wash and also has a very small frontal cross-section. In addition, it can loiter for long periods in areas where targets are expected. Because SASS vehicle can remain stable while stationary, they can deploy small imaging ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles to the seabed, and relay the images via the umbilical by telemetry to shore or a mothership.
A new platform for autonomous semi-submersible surveying
Eine neue autonome halbtauchende Plattform für Vermessungen
Sea Technology ; 46 , 6 ; 31-36
2005
6 Seiten
Article (Journal)
English
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