Launch and Recovery Training Aid

Tender description

SALMO deliver a deep-water survey capability using two Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). The Authority are looking to procure a training aid to be solely used in launch and recovery operations. The vehicle will need to be provisioned of a dummy HUGIN body, manufactured in heavy-duty plastic, including the provision to adjust buoyancy by adding weights. Additional information: Statement of Technical Requirement for 'Training Aid' AUV for Training Requirements Overall Requirement A 'Training Aid' Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). That being a vehicle that contains no electronics at all but displays the same passive characteristics of a 'real' AUV whilst on the surface. Is positively buoyant, but which can be trimmed to match the local environmental conditions (To have a freeboard whilst on the surface of between 100-150mm adjustable by trim weights). Should contain a method of recovery which can be used in conjunction with the current KM9 and KM11 Stinger Launch & Recovery (LARS) systems via a nose rope recovery system and winch. Should contain a light and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) accredited reflective tape for ease of location during hours of darkness and be painted in a dayglow colour. In essence a more economical vehicle for the sole purpose of training mother ship bridge crew in the manoeuvring of either new or unaccustomed large offshore vessels around the AUV in the water and Launch and Recovery deck teams without compromising and exposing to unnecessary risk expensive and operationally required equipment. Vehicle Requirements: 1. Port of Delivery/ Redelivery. Requirement Description a. The vehicle shall be delivered to Riverside, Avonmouth. Threshold / Essential Vehicle should be delivered to Riverside, or a port to embark upon a vessel suitable for all parties concerned. 2. Life Expectancy. Requirement Description a. 5 years or if the vehicle requires uneconomical repairs b. To be built with ease of repair/replacement of parts in mind Threshold / Essential Vehicle should be easily repairable with like for like swapping of consumables of stock already held. 3. Vehicle dimensions. Requirement Description a. Length - NLT 5.0m -NMT 5.5m b. Diameter - NLT 0.7m - NMT 0.8m c. Weight - NLT1400kg - NMT 1550kg (In Air) Threshold / Essential Dimensions based on Launch & Recovery systems already in use that the 'dummy' vehicle would be used in conjunction with. Technical Requirements: 4. Vehicle Type a. The vehicle must have similar characteristics to that of a HUGIN AUV whilst on the surface in relation to its trim but is to always remain positively buoyant. Removable trim weights should be available to alter the trim of the vehicle to suit the local environmental conditions. b. The vehicle should contain no working electronics, battery storage systems or propulsion systems. No Communication systems required. Threshold / Essential Vehicle must have the same characteristics on the surface as the HUGIN AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) operated by SALMO (Salvage and Marine Operations) already. 5. Launch a. The Vehicle should be capable of being launched from the LARS systems already operated by SALMO. Note: The AUVs are launched from 30' & 40' DNV certified containers which integrate to the Vessel via Authority supplied integration frames that extends out over the transom by approx. 200mm for vehicle