DEEP TOW
Different configurations for different needs
DEEP TOW is a system that is towed by an umbilical cable from a ship to survey a wide area under the sea and on the ocean floor. DEEP TOW does not have a propulsion system. Its configuration is simpler than systems like the ROVs. Therefore, it can easily be customized with onboard equipment to suit specific research purposes.
There are three types of DEEP TOW configurations: two that excel in camera observation (camera system) and one that excels in sonar observation (sonar system), all of which can be used at a depth of 6,000 meters. The camera system is equipped with multiple cameras used for biological surveys and preliminary surveys to ensure safe diving for the other ROVs and SHINKAI 6500. The sonar system is equipped with side-scan sonar and a multi-beam depth finder used for bathymetric and marine resource surveys.
Yokosuka & DEEP TOW
This is a camera system using Yokosuka as a mother ship. The onboard high-definition camera is used to observe the underwater environment. DEEP TOW also conducts preliminary surveys to check for dangerous objects in the vicinity so that SHINKAI 6500 can dive safely.
6K Camera, DEEP TOW
This camera system is equipped with two high-definition cameras as well as multiple smaller cameras. By changing the mounting positions of the cameras, the system can be used for various research purposes such as biological observation and monitoring of research equipment.
6K Sonar, DEEP TOW
The side-scan sonar is the primary sonar system. It may be equipped with a multi-beam depth finder and a sub-bottom profiler. A high-definition camera can also be installed to check and observe items that have responded to the sonar.
