APPENDIX V

DSOG Unmanned Vehicle Status

JASON/Medea

• Addition of Auxiliary Hydraulic System - completed
• Installation of Benthos DSC - underway
• Documentation/Training - underway
• Revision of Manipulator Gripper - underway
• Revise design of lower payload Skid/Basket - complete
• Test HiDef Video - underway
• Install Zoom Color Video Camera - underway

ARGO II

• Improved Obstacle Avoidance Forward Looking Sonar complete, not tested
• Thrusters for Heading Control - complete
• Resolve Noise on LBL Transducer - complete
• Install Benthos DSC - complete
• Test HiDef Video - underway
• Documentation/Training - underway

DSL 120

• Replace Depressor - complete
• Refine Low Speed Tow Dynamics - underway
• Addition of Auxiliary Data Channels - complete
• Determine suitable Upgrade Path for Surface Processing proposal pending
• Documentation Training - underway
• Addition of audio uplink for LBL Nav. - complete

JASON Manipulator Test Program

Objectives/Status

• Improve reliability
  • conducted approx. 150 hours of operations during pressure tests and dock trials
• Test at maximum rated pressure
  • Tested to 6,800 meters
• Develop techniques for handling and triggering "double major" hydrothermal vent fluid samplers
  • installed auxiliary hydraulic system and associated triggering mechanism
• Design and test new elevator system
  • Mid water design/docking transfer
• Redesign gripper
  • Improve gripping force and address pressure related failure
• Improve spares and documentation
• Demonstrate ability to work with temperature probes and "bio. boxes"
  • Underway

DSOG Navigation Upgrade Status

• Three copies of Winphrog software and associated hardware purchased
• Initial interface to Benthos 455 ASP completed
• Field trials during ALVIN engineering dives:
  1. Winphrog functioned in parallel to ACNAV
  2. In hull test completed
• Interface to ROV system underway and will be tested during upcoming field programs
• Presently determining suitable upgrade path for ALVIN in hull system
• Preparing phase two proposal to address ALVIN in hull system and advanced capabilities (i.e. doppler/USBL, replacement of portable LBL system for ROVS)