Hercules Hercules is the primary vehicle of a two-body
remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) system. Hercules is rated to a depth of , and is always deployed with Argus. It is equipped with cameras, lights, instruments, manipulators, and a wide array of sampling tools. The primary camera is a
high definition system augmented by six
standard-definition cameras. Four lights (over 60,000
lumens total) illuminate the forward working area, while smaller incandescent lights provide auxiliary illumination. Standard instrumentation includes a fast profiling conductivity-temperature-depth (
CTD) sensor, an oxygen probe, two high-resolution scanning
sonars, a 1.2 MHz
multibeam sonar and a high resolution stereo still camera system. The primary manipulator is an arm with force feedback, complemented by a seven-function manipulator for sample collection. Hercules is also equipped with a number of tools, including a suction sampler, sampling boxes with actuating trays, and sediment coring equipment, as well as several other purpose-built tools for different scientific objectives. Using a navigation system in tandem with
ultra-short baseline positioning, Hercules is capable of maneuvering and hovering on a centimeter-scale grid.
Argus Argus is a deep-tow system capable of diving as deep as . Argus is typically used in tandem with Hercules, where it hovers several meters above the seafloor and provides a view of Hercules on the seafloor, but can also be used as a standalone tow sled. The frame carries a broadcast quality high definition camera, standard definition cameras, and two 1,200 Watt
arc lamps capable of producing over 100,000 lumens of light each. Argus also supports a wide range of instrumentation, including a depth sensor, altimeter, CTD, sub-bottom profiler, scanning sonar, and side-scan sonar. Argus uses dual electric thrusters for heading adjustment and limited lateral movement.
Diana Diana is one of two
side-scan sonar systems on board
Nautilus. It is used to create maps of the seafloor and to identify targets of interest that ROVs Hercules and Argus investigate in more detail. Diana is a side-scan sonar tow-fish that uses dual 300 and 600 kHz frequencies, with a range of approximately 200 meters on either side of the towfish. The Diana system is capable of being towed to a depth of but is limited by cable length to . Diana's transducers can also be installed on the Argus towsled, which greatly increases the maximum towing depth to 2,000 meters.
Echo Echo is a five-channel deep tow, side scan sonar system rated to water depth. Echo's operating frequencies are 100 and 400 kHz, which cover a total swath width up to . Echo is also equipped with a 2–7 kHz sub-bottom profiler that permits identification of sub-seafloor features. == Telepresence systems ==