3,000 m Class Remotely Operated Vehicle HYPER-DOLPHIN

HYPER-DOLPHIN is a remotely operated vehicle completed by Canada in 1999, which is able to conduct surveys at a maximum depth of 3,000m. Equipped with a ultra-high-sensitivity high-definition TV camera, the vehicle has facilitated visual and filmed surveys in the deep sea. Samples on the ocean floor can also be collected by the two manipulators (mechanical arms) on the vehicle.

Systems

Images of Deep-sea Organisms by HYPER-DOLPHIN

Off Okinawa

SHINKAI 6500 on a Mission
"SHINKAI 6500" on a Mission

Squat Lobster
Squat Lobster

Off Sanriku, Northern Honshu

Tiburonia Granrojo
Tiburonia Granrojo

Cranchild Squid
Cranchild Squid

Suruga Bay and Sagami Bay

Chimaera
Chimaera

Pasipheid Shrimp
Pasipheid Shrimp

Brotulid Fish
Brotulid Fish

Lobate Ctenophore
Lobate Ctenophore

High-definition TV camera (HYPER-DOLPHIN)

This camera integrating an ultra high sensitive super HARP tube can get dynamic high-definition images of deep-sea. The combination of the chip to process all signals and various components such as memories, the signal processing, tranformation, etc. achieves a very compact camera driven by low power. The images shot by this camera are transformed through a 3,300 m optic fiber cable between the camera of the vehicle and the control room on board.

Camera head
Camera head


Pressure capsule, a camera head inside


Principal specifications

Length 3.0 m
Breadth 2.0 m
Height 2.3 m
Weight in the air 3.8 t
Maximum depth capability 3,000 m
Payload weight 100 kg (in the air)
Maximum speed 3 knots forward,
2 knots reverse,
2 knots laterally,
1.5 knots vertically
Propulsion 6 Electric-hydraulic thrusters
Research and observation equipment Two 7-pivoted manipulators
High-definition TV camera
Color CCD TV camera
Digital still camera
Aft TV camera
Responder
Lights (5 HMI lights, 1 halogen light)
Retractable light boom (left and right)
Umbilical cable 3,300 m
Depth sensor, Altimeter
Obstacle avoidance sonar
Electric-hydraulic motor: 55.9 kW