Working with its customer Submarine Manufacturing & Products (SMP) and the Vietnam Navy, the harbour trials followed an extensive commissioning period and factory acceptance test which took place at Forum’s test tank in Kirbymoorside, Yorkshire, UK.
The XLX-C ROV, which has a depth rating of 4000m and a range of ancillary equipment, including cameras, lights, altimeters and sonars, was designed, manufactured and tested on the same site. It will be used to support the Vietnamese’ submarine rescue vehicle in its operations during assessment and preparation of a site for a submersible rescue.
The XLX-C is fitted with Forum’s latest technology and can deliver specialised equipment, including an Emergency Life Support System, to a distressed submarine. It is also coupled with a Forum Dynacon Launch and Recovery System (LARS) manufactured in the US.
The Houston team also supplied a VMAX ROV training simulator as a training aid for the ROV pilots, while a VisualSoft, four Channel VisualDVR, system (a multichannel digital video recorder) was supplied by Forum’s VisualSoft team in Aberdeen, UK.
Kevin Taylor, Forum’s vice president - subsea vehicles, comments: “The XLX-C’s successful sea trials marks another success for the company as we continue to bring the latest technology to the industry. The vehicle’s capabilities make it ideally suited to a wide range of operations in the defence market.
“Forum has a robust strategy of providing first-class engineering, after market support and service to our clients from our operating centres in the key regions. We have an excellent global team and this project demonstrates the integrated approach we have to ensuring we deliver the best vehicles, bespoke simulation training, and digital video and data acquisition products. We look forward to continuing to support the Vietnam Navy in their subsea operations.”