Newest Panther packs more punch

The new Panther holds steady in strong shallow-water currents, making it ideal for a range of work and survey tasks. Packed with ten powerful thrusters and with the capacity to carry a seven function position feedback manipulator and five function rate manipulator, the Panther XT Plus has 50% more power and swims 30% faster than its predecessor.

Although rated to 1,500m water depth, the application of the Panther XT Plus in high current shallow water locations is creating the main interest from customers who wish to have more capability in these more difficult areas of operation.

To speed the completion of complex tasks, the heavy duty power and precise control coming from the introduction of the seven function position feedback manipulators are a plus which were not possible on other versions of the Panther.

To accommodate these larger and heavier manipulator arms, and provide additional capability for a greater range of tools and sensors, the vehicle payload has been significantly increased by re-designing the frame and buoyancy of the widely proven Panther concept.

For operators working to a tight deadline or in difficult conditions, having ten thrusters in hand brings peace of mind by offering a reassuringly high degree of redundancy.

Cost savings are a particular attraction to operators, with the Panther XT Plus having the work class capability of a small hydraulic work ROV. Yet its overall cost of ownership is considerably less, including needing just a quarter of the deck space of an equivalent hydraulic vehicle, and far fewer crew.

Operators are increasingly realising the appeal of turning to the new breed of powerful electric work ROVs that can tackle most work tasks including drill support, IRM, survey and even some construction tasks, at lower cost.