SMD delivers two Atom Mk1 submarine rescue systems for Indian Navy

Subsea design and manufacturing company Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) has delivered two units of the 1,000m Atom Mk1 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system to underwater capability provider JFD for integration with the Indian Navy.

The Atom Mk1 ROV systems are equipped with ultra-compact launch and recovery systems (LARS), as well as control and workshop cabins that have been purpose-designed by SMD.

The ROV solutions are intended to carry out submarine rescue operations and will enable JFD to provide the Indian Navy with reliable equipment to support critical missions.

Each system is fitted with three emergency life support pods for delivery to a submarine, which form the third-generation rescue system’s intervention element.

JFD India project director Ben Sharples said: “SMD’s Atom ROV systems play an important part in our new third-generation submarine rescue systems, and in advancing our ultimate aims of driving down ‘time to first intervention’, protecting life at sea and improving the standards of safety for submariners around the world.”

The system is also capable of carrying a large payload within its compact vehicle frame.

JFD has selected SMD’s 1,000m Atom Mk1 due to its small size and lightweight design, which make it easy for the system to be quickly transported by air for rapid deployment when required.

SMD ROV Systems managing director Mark Collins said: “This has been a significant project for SMD that has seen us deliver two submarine rescue-specification Atom ROV systems successfully to a high-profile client in the defence sector.

“Significantly, it shows that SMD can provide optimised work-class ROV power and capability in a very small package that is light enough for air transportation and fast deployment.”

The Atom system is an ultra-compact ROV that features the latest Distributed Vehicle Control System II (DVECSII), in addition to graphical displays and pilot aids.

It is also integrated with powerful Curvetech components that have demonstrated operational reliability at depths of up to 6,000m.