Recent studies on the functional morphology of fins of fishes show a surprising biomechanical effect of the fin rays. The bionic implementations of these constructions led to shape-adaptive wing profiles and flow control devices. The functional principle has been patented as “Fin Ray Effect” and a line of products based on this effect is currently being developed.
Smart functional design with life-like swimming capabilities can provide
Hydrographic Profiling
Sea Floor Cartography
Monitoring and Search Missions
Technical inspection of subsea installations
Design
Technical Specifications
Wing span: 1.5 – 3.5 m
Max. swimming velocity: 5 – 10 km/h
Cruising velocity: 2 – 5 km/h in economic travelling, 0.5 – 1 km/h in gliding
Max. depth of operation: 100 m (optionally full ocean depth)
Operation time: up to 24 hours
Propulsion Modes
Active life-like wing propulsion and level gliding – quiet, fast and efficient with extraordinary maneuverability
Semi-passive buoyancy-driven gliding with 3D shape adjustments maintaining the maneuverability – energy efficient vertical scanning and log distance traveling
Hydro-jet propulsion – precise control of the flight trajectory maintaining accurate flight levels without body oscillations – suitable for precise sonar measurements, sea-floor mapping and add-on speed requirements