Saab ROV to investigate plane crash

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is the first in the US to have a deep water rated remotely operated vehicle. The vehicle they have chosen is Saab’s Seaeye Falcon DR.

When an experimental plane crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island near Los Angeles, search and recovery proved impossible. The depth of water and strength of the currents made conditions too dangerous for divers. But since March this year, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have had the 1000 metre rated remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Falcon DR, from Saab, ready for such investigations.

Significantly extended capability

Saab’s Seaeye Falcon DR significantly extends the LASD’s inspection and recovery capability, enabling the reach of larger areas offshore and around Los Angeles, and the possibility to undertake Homeland Security operations. The ROV will now aid the recovery of previously unrecoverable boats and aircraft, including an inspection of the Catalina site.
Contributing to diver safety

The Seaeye Falcon DR saves valuable dive time and contributes to diver safety. By using the Falcon’s onboard camera and high intensity lights, the ROV operator can pinpoint what the diver cannot see and direct the diver to the location of interest. The ROV can also keep a watchful eye on the diver and transport the diver’s tools and equipment. A range of tools and survey kit can easily be added to and changed for different missions, such as explosives detection.

The Seaeye Falcon DR is the second Falcon bought by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The first was a 300 metre rated model used for rapid deployment during in-shore search and recovery operations.