The 7B8 ROUV is unique in that in comparison to other Chinese ROUVs, it can also operate independently as an AUV in addition to being operated remotely via tether/cable like ordinary ROUVs. The 7B8 first completed its trials as an ROUV in the 1990s and in 2000. Then it completed AUV trials including autonomously searching underwater targets and autonomous underwater work, and subsequently entered service. When the 7B8 is operated as an AUV, the maximum operating depth is less than when operating as an ROUV. Specifications:
Length: 4.33 meters
Width: 1.27 meters
Height: 1.76 meters
Weight: 1.69 tons
Operating depth: 100 meters (when operating as an AUV)
The experience gained from 7B8 would lead to the development of Artic ARV.
Arctic ARV
Arctic (Bei Ji or Beiji 北极 in Chinese) ARV is an UUV developed by SIA, based on the experienced gained from other Chinese designs of AUVs and ROUVs. Unlike previous Chinese AUVs that are fully autonomous, Arctic ARV can be operated in both fully autonomous or remotely piloted mode. The fully autonomous mode is used for large area scan, while remotely piloted mode is used for small area of a particular spot when needed. Remotely operated mode is achieved via fiber optic cable connection, and Arctic ARV can hover over particular spot if required. Arctic ARV (北极 ARV) has been deployed on Xuě Lóng and used in arctic explorations numerous times.[2][3] Successfully completing all missions in July 2008.[3]
Arctic ARV design has been updated, with weight reduced by nearly a half while still as capable as the original version, and this updated version is simply referred as second generation Arctic ARV in China.[3] Development completed in early 2010s, and the ARV was first deployed in August 2014.[3] Specifications:[3]
Weight: 180 kg
Length: 1.7 meter
Width: 0.65 meter
Height: 0.92 meter
Range: up to 3 km
Hovering depth: 100 m
Hadal ARV
Earlier Arctic ARV series has proven the idea of combining the capabilities of AUV and ROUV is feasible, and based on the experience gained, Hadal ARV was developed, formally started in April 2014,and completed in 2016.[6][7][8][9]
Contrary to most UUVs that shape like fish,torpedo, or submarine, Hadal ARV is a rectangular shaped,[10][11][12][13] similar to its predecessor Arctic ARV, and like Arctic ARV, Hadal ARV also has one thruster on each side.[10][11][12] However, contrary to Arctic ARV which travels along its length, Hadal ARV travels along its width. Because Hadal ARV has to operate as an AUV when required, it carried internal power source,[10] i.e. batteries, so it only needs fiber-optic tether cable for data transmission, and thus eliminating the heavy power cable. In addition to underwater camera, Hadal ARV also carries other scientific equipment for research pursposes.[10]
Specification:[10][9]>[13]
