The autonomous submarine LULA (Portuguese for squid) is being used in different scientific projects and takes a crew of 3 to a depth of 500 metres.

The 150° spherical bow viewport provides a spectacular view of the sea bed and surrounding water for the crew and makes LULA an excellent tool for the documentation of underwater life.

cameras/illumination:

LULA has a unique illumination system mounted on movable arms.

A HD TV camera (DVCPROHD) is mounted together with a digital still camera in the focal centre of the viewport. The cameras can take professional quality images.

A HD video camera is mounted to the manipulator for close-ups of the observed fauna. 

scientific work:

A manipulator permits the collection and storage of objects up to 25 kg.

The collection of a variety of oceanographic data such as conductivity, temperature, pressure, oxygen, pH, turbidity) is possible by using pre-installed sensors.

Lula is a comfortable and stable underwater platform, which can be easily converted to perform special tasks and missions.

All images are property of the Rebikoff-Niggeler Foundation and must not be copied or used without prior consent.

Tecnical data:

Builder                                     Fundação Rebikoff-Niggeler

Classification                         ABS Europe A1; year of first classification: 2001

Test depth                              630 m

Length                                     850 cm

Beam                                       165 cm

Height                                      265 cm

Weight in air                           9.3 t

Main ballast tanks                1100 liters

Variable ballast                     Water, 200 liters

Air                                             5 x 27 litres, 200 bar

Oxygen                                    3 x 27 liters, 200 bar

Ballast jettison                       90 kg, hydraulic

Main viewport                        Acrylic, diameter: 1450 mm; 150_

Conning tower                      Acrylic, diameter:   540 mm; 150_

Emergency buoy                 1, with 700m 12mm Dyneema cable

Propulsion at surface         KPM-Lombardini 24 Kw (3600 rpm)

Propulsion uw                      8 Kw electric motor; 4 x 2,2 Kw  electric thrusters

Communication                    27 Khz + VHF

Batteries                                 1x120V(180ah),2x24V(160ah),1x12V(60ah), batteries were replaced in 2007

Navigation                              DVL, chart plotter, Fluxgate compass, Tritech double frequency Seaking sonar, USBL

Illumination                            4 x HMI 400 W

Manipulator                            25 kg, 5 functions

Sampling                                Hydraulically retractable sampling box