|
The brian child of Andrew
Reyland, Clive Brown and Steve Beacham, The
Duck Project is a prototype of a novel form
of RIB which is currently in build,and which
has
an unusual
operating profile. The vessels are required
to act as a form of submersible in that
they will be able to operate normally on
the surface,
be capable of submerging to around 1 – 1.5m,
and also submerging completely.
The primary use of this form of vessel is
for carrying maintenance workers and their
equipment to undertake underwater repairs
and routine maintenance of underwater structures,
such as oil rigs, production platforms, bridge
supporting structures underwater surveying
of docks & the leisure side, Sea Safaris
etc.
The vessels will have a variety of roles,
but their basic primarily operating profile
having been launched from a surface maintenance
vessel will be to travel fast on the surface
to near the designated working area, and
then completely submerge to operating depth
using electric motors for propulsion and
manoeuvring. They will if necessary also
be capable of submerging in calm water leave
crew heads above the surface but still running
on the snorkel equipped main engine.
The RIB outer tubes will normally be open,
or closed with simple valves and vents;
contained within these tubes will be an
inflatable inner tube that will only be
inflated underwater to provide positive
buoyancy for re-surfacing. An under sole
compartment will contain the main fuel
tank, and lightweight, but powerful batteries
for powering the electronics and electric
motors, but will also be capable of being
flooded to assist submerging and to maintain
stability underwater.
In operation the crew will all be wearing
SCUBA or re-breather type breathing kits,
and will also be carrying the necessary tools
and equipment necessary for the task in hand.
All crew will be trained as helmsmen, and
will be able to carry out any function in
the use of the vessels at all stages of its
operational profile.
There will be four versions a 2/4/6 & 11
man a craft; for more details on the ongoing
development, prices and models call 07955
211 834 (Andrew).
November 2009
|
