With the support of the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association (COMRA) and the High-tech Research and Development Program (also dubbed "863 Program"), researchers from SIA have recently completed deep ocean tests of CR-02, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with the maximum operating depth of 6000m they have designed and built.
Based on its previous version CR-01, CR-02 AUV has the ability to climb a seamount which is fulfilled by the bow vertical and horizontal tunnel contra-rotating propellers. Another important function is that it has the advanced benthometric side scan sonar installed on both sides of the middle block.
The researchers made careful, strict and compressive examinations of the AUV during 11 effective underwater trips in South China Sea. The experiments justified its mission and movement control, monitoring and remote sensing, underwater exploration technology and comprehensive capacity. It passed the acceptance check by COMRA.