Saab Seaeye Cougar XT for Royal New Zealand Navy
Saab Seaeye Cougar XT for Royal New Zealand Navy
Exceptional Launch and Recovery System for safe launch and recovery
The Saab Seaeye Cougar XT Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) is now operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) from HMNZS Manawanui.
The Cougar XT has the best power, thrust and payload in its class, with the widest and most comprehensive range of quick-change tool skids and was selected as the most technically compliant to specifications demanded by NORSOK, the Royal New Zealand Navy and shipbuilder Østensjø Rederi of Norway. The Cougar is compliant with NORSOK 102 3ed. 2016 Class II B for an observation vehicle with light intervention, survey and construction capabilities.
To meet Navy exacting operational requirements, Østensjø Rederi expanded and extended the technical specification for the complete system including the Cougar, the control room, and in particular, the Launch and Recovery System (LARS).
The ability to safely launch the Cougar in sea states specified by the Royal New Zealand Navy was of paramount importance. This set a special focus on the LARS and its position inside the vessel, with the Cougar launched from a mezzanine deck inside the vessel’s ROV hangar.
When evaluating the best system, Østensjø Rederi concluded that the Cougar with a modified dipping and extending LARS with snubber, heave compensation and electric winch motors, was the best solution.
Along with the LARS, the complete system includes a standard Cougar XT with minor modification to include three cameras and sonar system, together with its tether management system and three individual tool skids with manipulators, cutters and water jetting system.
Also specified is a control room integrated into the vessel created to a design centred on operator ergonomic principles.
The 2000m rated Cougar XT’s maneuverability comes from its six thrusters, each interfaced with a fast-acting control system and solid-state gyro for enhanced azimuth stability and control.
The Cougar’s compact 1.5 metre size footprint makes it easy to mobilise, yet despite its small size, it has the power to handle a wide range of heavy tooling.
The ROV can operate at depths of 1000m as a deployable resource aboard the RNZN multi-purpose support vessel HMNZS Manawanui.
Cougar XT best for Royal New Zealand Navy
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| The complete RNZN system includes a standard Cougar XT with minor modification to include three cameras and sonar system together with its tether management system and three individual tool skids with manipulators, cutters and water jetting system. |
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| HMNZS Manawanui provides initial training for RNZN divers on Seaeye Cougar. |
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| The Seaeye Cougar control room integrated into the vessel created to a design centred on operator ergonomic principles. |
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| The Seaeye Cougar Launch And Recovery System (LARS) launches from a mezzanine deck inside the vessel’s ROV hangar. The installation includes a modified dipping and extending LARS with snubber, heave compensation and electric winch motors to safely launch the Cougar in sea states specified by the RNZN. |
