The SCORPIO is the most well known of all the ROV's that has been operated over the last 20 years, the SCORPIO was a Developed by AMETEK Straza in San Diego. The Development was an extension of developments made in earlier work by Ametek on the DEEP DRONE and SCARAB systems.
This is an Excerpt out of the Sales literature of the time with the basic specifications of the SCORPIO.
" The standard SCORPIO system is a recently developed underwater work system designed to meet the wide variety of underwater missions of the offshore oil industry. These missions were previously performed by divers and manned submersibles. The vehicle is configured o that additional tools and sensors can be added at any time to extend the capabilities of the basic system. "
As you can see the sales pitch is the same 15 years later.
The SCORPIO system consists of a remotely controlled tethered vehicle with Sensors including Colour, SIT and B/W Cameras including Lighting. The vehicle also carries a five-function manipulator. Four 5 Hp hydraulic thrusters give the SCORPIO the ability to work in high currents. Automatic depth and heading controls provide accurate station keeping for critical observation and work tasks.
The SCORPIO vehicle is connected to the surface control unit by a flexible electrical umbilical cable, the cable provides all the necessary electrical power and signal conductors to the unit.
A multiplexer unit provides reliable communications between the vehicle controls, sensors, tools and displays. Unused channels in the multiplex unit leave room for a variety of operational accessories and sensors. The vehicle accepts additional capabilities with a minimum of modification.
On the Deck there is an umbilical-handling winch that stores the umbilical that is not deployed into the water.
The Surface control units and transformers are housed inside a Control container suitable for the environment the work is situated in.
Most of the original SCORPIO units have now been upgraded to accommodate for more hydraulic power and signal capabilities through the use of new umbilicals and electrical / hydraulic equipment.
Length: 88 "
Width: 70 "
Height: 64 "
Weight: 2,000 lbs
Depth: 3,000 ft
Payload: 90 lbs
Fwd speed: 2.5 knots
Hydraulic Power: 25 Hp
The HP rating increased with the use of factory and other upgrades to 40 and 50 Hp.
Length: 96 "
Width: 96 "
Height: 74 "
Weight: 6,100 lbs
Length: 3,500 ft
Weight; 2,500 lbs
Length: 96 "
Width: 96 "
Height: 96 "