EOD Vehicle Conceptual Design Study

A conceptual design study of a tethered undersea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) has been made for the U.S. Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology Center. The conceptual design vehicle is designated ROV-EOD. The purpose of the vehicle is to locate, identify and neutralize suspected ordnance on the ocean floor, normally at or near harbors; thus relieving divers of a very difficult and dangerous task. The ROV-EOD must carry both TV camera and scanning sonar for viewing the ordnance, and a droppable payload for neutralizing the ordnance. The vehicle must be able to make headway in strong currents, and must be small and light enough to be launched from a 24 foot boat by two EOD crewmen. The conceptual design results in a streamlined vehicle, powered by four thrusters and weighing less than 88 kilograms