SMD Delivers Two Sub Rescue Specification Atom ROVs to JFD

Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) has delivered two 1000m Atom Mk1 work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems to JFD.

The Atom systems, equipped with ultra-compact launch and recovery systems (LARS) and SMD purpose-designed control and workshop cabins, provide a complete turnkey solution which is essential for JFD in providing its customer, the Indian Navy, with reliable equipment for on time critical missions.

Optimised for submarine rescue operations, each Atom system carries three emergency life support pods for delivery to a submarine forming the intervention element of the 3rd generation submarine rescue system.

Ben Sharples, India project director, JFD, said: “At JFD, we believe in the power of improvement and the importance of collaboration and we have been pleased to work together with SMD on developing these new technologies. SMD’s Atom ROV systems play an important part in our new 3rd 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 small size and lightweight design of Atom was an important factor for JFD in the selection process, as the entire system must be air transportable for rapid response. During factory acceptance, SMD were able to demonstrate Atom’s thrust capability to JFD representatives at their facility in North Shields, Newcastle using its 64 cubic metre in-house test tank.

Mark Collins, managing director ROV Systems, stated: “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. Ease of use and reliability were also key requirements which SMD are able to demonstrate through a long track record in a diverse range of sectors. We look forward to continuing our new partnership with JFD to support their current and future needs in the defence underwater arena.”