Communications for a Tethered Underwater Submersible

A tethered underwater vehicle, CORD II (Cabled Observation and Rescue Device) was designed and developed at Harbor Branch Foundation, Inc. This unit is the second generation of our unmanned submersible program. CORD II is capable of operating to depths of 3000 ft. (915m). It is equipped with a cable cutter, six function manipulator, obstacle avoidance side scan sonar, low light level TV camera and 70 mm still camera. CORD II uses a constant flow hydraulic system for propulsion and extra functions. The system utilizes 3/8" O.D. armored coax cable to send 500 VAC, 3 phase, 60 cycle power to the unit, together with FSK communication channels, FM modulated TV and sonar echo information. CORD II maneuvers within a 100 ft. radius circle around a 700 lb. (318 Kg.) current deflection weight.