The SUBROV system is an ROV system controlled and operated from a submarine. The system comprises an ROV, a winch including a tether management system and an operator console.

Aboard the submarine the system is handled like a heavy weight torpedo using the same handling equipment as a torpedo. It is launched and retrieved from a 21" torpedo tube.

Integration of the system is straightforward. The torpedo A-Cable is used for communication and power supply, the torpedo locking devices are used to lock the SUBROV in the tube, a standalone operator console is used inside the submarine to operate the system. No modification of the submarine is necessary at this level of integration.

The vehicle is battery powered enabling the use of a long thin fibre optical tether for vehicle control and sensor data telemetry. The vehicle is operated by a pilot from an operator console inside the submarine that is used for controlling the ROV and displaying video and sonar images to the operator.

A winch, placed inside the torpedo tube, handles the tether during operations. This maintains tether length and tension in order to keep the tether safe during operation and stowage. An external battery charger is used to charge the battery inside the submarine.

The SUBROV system utilizes a modular design to facilitate ease of fault tracing, removal, repair and replacement of components.