A Falcon amongst Sharks!

This August 2005, UK's National Marine Aquarium will be testing the very latest in underwater Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) as it plays host for one day only to Falcon, a true 'boys-toys' of underwater technology...

The Seaeye Falcon is a portable and powerful ROV normally intended for use in the professional subsea industries, for inspection, observation and survey operations in coastal or inshore waters.

Weighing around 50kg, the meter long Falcon ROV will be launched into the National Marine Aquarium’s Mediterranean Tank to swim with the sharks as well as beam live footage back to the visitors. Visitors will be able to see parts of the 3-story tank not usually seen and will be able to get closer to sharks than ever before.

Communications Manager, Melanie Cowie said: "This ROV is a fantastic piece of technology – it can dive to a staggering 300m, and whilst our deep tank, the deepest in Europe, is no match at 10.5 metres, it does mean people will be able to get perfect views of this space-age machine."

Visitors will be able to not only see themselves from a fish-eye perspective, but will be able to get up-close and personal to our sharks and thousands of other fish in this huge tank - the closest they can possibly get without getting wet!"

The Falcon, similar to ones currently being used in underwater exploration such as the ROV used in the opening titles of the film Titanic, will also be used to test visitors’ reaction to such technology.

This is the first time this type of technology has been used in this way and follows a new direction for the National Marine Aquarium. The Falcon test-dive marks a very important stage towards the Aquarium’s new ExplorOcean Science and Technology Centre which is due to open early next year.

Kelvin Boot, Aquarium Director said: "When ExplorOcean opens next spring, visitors will be able to fly ROV's just like this one in a marine-version of Robot-Wars. But as well as using such equipment in the new, specially designed tanks, we will also be taking technology like the Falcon out into Plymouth Sound where we can reveal the fantastic life that lies beneath the surface – one that is hidden from most people."

For the full story visit: National Marine Aquarium

Source: www.divenews.com