New Wave Media

To date, Hydro-Lek’s six-function manipulator system has been chosen for two Triton 1000/2 submersibles and five Triton 3300/3 submersibles. In addition, two of the Triton 3300/3 submersibles have been fitted with a heavy duty four function ‘grabber arm’ from Hydro-Lek.

 

A single manipulator – and sometimes an additional one - is recommended by submersibles manufacturer Triton Submarines as an optional extra on its range of submarines; it allows the owner to collect samples, deliver and secure payloads to the ocean bottom, hold onto an outcrop to remain stationary, as a pan and tilt for cameras or to sever lines or other entanglement obstructions (using Hydro-Lek’s cutting mechanism built into the manipulator jaw). 

 

Customers are offered a range of manipulators from various manufacturers including the Hydro-Lek HLK-CRA6 arm. Each arm is supplied as a complete system incorporating a valve pack, control unit and ancillary components. When choosing a manipulator for recreational purposes, simplicity of use and cost are critical factors and to date Hydro-Lek arms have been the most popular. As part of Triton’s compliance with U.S. safety rules, all submersibles must have manipulators that are capable of being fully jettisoned.