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Platform one Chinese company Chasing has developed the first professional observation underwater ROV with eight vectored thrusters (writes Nick Flaherty). The omnidirectional layout of the thrusters in the Chasing M2 allows a user to steer the craft in all six directions as well as tell it to rotate and pitch. The M2 comes with a digitally stabilised camera capable of 4K video and 12 MP stills, as well as 4000-lumen LED lights to illuminate the area under inspection. It can dive down to 100 m using proprietary seals developed by the company. It uses aluminium alloy for the body to keep the weight under 5 kg. Additional cameras such as a GoPro can be mounted on the M2’s front and rear, as well as extra lights. It can also support an array of sensors such as laser-based measuring equipment to determine the size of underwater objects or to measure cracks in pipes. The M2 is the first professional ROV with a swappable battery and removable MicroSD memory card, to reduce the time to recharge it or download its data. As the battery is removable it also allows the vehicle to be transported on aircraft. Chasing has also developed a new, professional-grade remote controller and an electronic ‘e-reel’. The battery-powered reel can automatically roll/unroll its 200 m cable in 2 minutes, up to 12 times per charge. In addition, it comes with an anti- explosion cable, battery protection circuits and a power display. Eight-thruster pro ROV Underwater vehicles The M2 ROV has a removable battery and so can be transported around the world on aircraft (Courtesy of Chasing) Built in Quality and Reliability www.FutabaIRC.com [email protected] FUTABA INDUSTRIAL SERVOS