The SAAB Seaeye Leopard is a powerful electric work class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). Delivered in November 2016, the vehicle is the only one of its kind in Israel. In its current* configuration, it is able to work on the seabed at water depths of up to 2000 meters. It carries cameras, lights, a hydraulic manipulator, and can be fitted with various scientifc equipment. An ROV allows observing and interacting with objects on the seabed at depths not accessible to human divers.

*While rated to 3000m, available tether length on the winch limits operations to 2000m. Future upgrade to a larger winch and longer tether would allow working down to full depth rating.

Saab Seaye Leopard ROV

Depth Rating: 3000 msw

Dimensions: 2150mm x 1174mm x 1160mm (LxHxW)

Weight in Air (without skid): 1200kg

Propulsion: 11 Electric brushless DC thrusters (3 Vertical, 8 Horizontal)

Main camera: SubC 1CAM lite Mk6 – 4K Video, parallel reference lasers,up to 60 degree in-water FOV, 20x Zoom

Secondary cameras: 1 Color Zoom SD Camera, 2 Auxilary SD cameras (Tether camera, rearview camera)

1 x Schilling Orion 7P Manipulator

Automatic heading, altitude, depth, roll, pitch and station keeping capabilities – DVL and Altimeter installed.

Scientific payload capacity: Approx. 100kg

Science skid mounted under the ROV, with hydraulic sample tray

Normally, the ROV is deployed from the R/V Bat Galim. However, operation from ships of opportunity is possible given they satisfy a few requirements:

1. Class 1 Dynamic positioning 
2. Deck space for mounting the system (2x20ft foot prints)
3. Suitable crane or A-frame for lifting the ROV and supporting the sheave wheel (3 tons)
4. USBL Transceiver compatible with the installed Linkquest Tracklink 5000 series

Other USBL systems can be used if provided by the ordering party

The system ships in two parts: 

1. Control cabin and power room are in a standard 20ft container
2. Winch mounted on 20ft flat-rack container (bolster).

For shipping, the ROV is also mounted to the flat-rack. If the ship cannot provide enough electrical power, a stand-alone generator is used, which can also be mounted on the flat rack.

Photo: entire system mounted on a truck before mobilization