FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES NEW XLE SPIRIT
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. has announced the launch of its new electric remotely operated vehicle (EROV) range.
Designed and manufactured in-house at Forum’s Kirkbymoorside Yorkshire facility, the XLe Spirit is the company’s first of a new generation of electric ROV’s.
The vehicle is the smallest in the new range but is powerful enough to perform subsea maintenance and repair work with the use of its optional electric or hydraulic five function manipulator arm. The vehicle’s self regulating power feature compensates for tether losses ensuring a constant and stable power delivery to the vehicle regardless of tether length.
It uses the same advanced Forum Integrated Control Engine (ICE++) found in larger work-class and trencher vehicles in the Forum product range. This provides a wide range of auto-pilot and pilot assist modes when appropriate sensors are fitted.
The advanced control electronics pod fitted to all Forum XLe electric vehicles enables superior connectivity and expansion capabilities when compared with other ROV’s on the market. Ethernet interfacing allows for seamless integration with other industry sensors using common IP architecture and ease of remote data transfer.
Kevin Taylor, Forum’s VP Subsea Vehicles, commented: "We recognised the time was right to introduce a new range of electric ROV’s as confidence begins to return to a depressed market. The XLe Spirit is the first vehicle in the range with innovative features which will meet the expectations and requirements of operators."