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 Having built a reputation for DP and vessel reference systems, Kongsberg Simrad is increasingly also involved with the manufacture of cameras and other instruments for ROVs. UCI Editor John Bevan reports. 
Arguably the leading manufacturer of underwater sonar and CCTV imaging systems for the offshore oil market, Kongsberg Simrad's expertise in camera systems derives largely from its acquisition of Osprey Electronics some time ago.I met David Mackay, the General Manager, who gave me an overview of the large group of companies and technologies now operating under the Kongsberg banner. The group's expertise in DP and vessel reference systems is, of course, well known. Sensor But David said that Kongsberg Simrad was "also principally involved in ROV sensor technology and instrumentation, ocean survey, hydrography and underwater position reference and navigation instrumentation". Gordon Clark, Kongsberg Simrad's camera sales specialist, then took me on a tour of the engineering facilities. There was a clear emphasis on design and development, and you could feel the quality control in the air. The obviously high level of security reflected the company's significant military involvement. 
One of the products, for example - a camera system for the US Navy nuclear submarine fleet - was clearly a very special piece of kit. In a titanium housing rated to 3000 metres, this video camera system was designed to view ... well you know.The full range of Kongsberg Simrad's high-quality products includes colour and monochrome cameras, lights, cables and control units. The technical excellence of the equipment is sadly not immediately obvious from photographs of the equipment, which inevitably just look like pictures of metal tubes, regardless of the application. You'll just have to take my word for it! |
© 2002 Underwater World Publications Ltd.