The latest version of Forum Subsea Technologies’ VMAX simulator launched this week is designed to integrate with its next generation of electric remotely operated vehicles (eROV).
The XLe Spirit was the first vehicle to be launched from the new range last year, and Forum announced on Wednesday that it has now added the eROV to its choice of vehicles within the simulator. The new lightweight and ergonomically designed eROV Hand Controller console can also be interfaced to VMAX to allow pilots to be trained in the use of the new console.
The VMAX software is a 3D ROV simulation system which is predominantly used for the training and evaluation of ROV pilots. It can also be utilized by subsea engineering teams for modeling and verification of procedures involving intervention tasks for subsea equipment.
The system provides a variety of ROV scenarios designed to test pilots’ skills such as tether management, manipulator control and tooling operation within realistic operational conditions.
Andy McAra, VMAX product director, said, “Following the launch of the XLe Spirit vehicle last year, we recognized the need to integrate the system into our existing VMAX software to provide both training and evaluation capabilities for our customers.
“The demand for our 3D simulator technology is continuing to grow as the industry recognizes the value of an immersive learning experience. VMAX eliminates the need to deploy a physical vehicle for training purposes and allows pilots to interact with the eROV in a safe and controlled environment, providing increased efficiencies and reducing overall operational expenditure.”
The XLe Spirit is the smallest in the new range but is powerful enough to perform subsea maintenance and repair work with the use of its optional electric or hydraulic five function manipulator arm.
It uses the same advanced Forum Integrated Control Engine (ICE++) found in larger work-class and trencher vehicles in the Forum product range. This provides a wide range of auto-pilot and pilot assist modes when appropriate sensors are fitted.