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The autonomous submarine LULA (Portuguese for squid) was completed in the year 2000. She can take 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.

LULA is classed by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) as A 1 and is subject to yearly inspections by the naval authority.

 

 

 

 

 

TECHNICAL DATA SUBMARINE LULA:

  • builder: FRN
  • classification: ABS Europe A1
  • diving depth: 500 m
  • crew: 3
  • length over all: 850 cm
  • beam: 165 cm
  • height: 265 cm
  • weight in air: 9,3 t
  • variable ballast: water, 200 liters
  • oxygen: 3 x 27 liters, 200 bar
  • air:       5 x 27 liters, 200 bar
  • propulsion at surface: KPM-Lombardini, 24 kw
  • propulsion underwater: 8 kw electric motor/generator, 4 x 2.2 kw  electric thrusters

    • autonomy

    From harbour to the dive site, LULA proceeds under her own power. The 24 Kw main diesel engine also drives the compressor and generator. The submersible is not tied to an expensive mother ship and only needs a small support boat to operate and to communicate by underwater telephone.

    • 1 emergency buoy with 700 m 12 mm Dyneema cable
    • main viewport: diameter: 1500 mm; 150°
    • conning tower: diameter:   540 mm; 150°
    • batteries: 1x120V(180ah), 2x24V(160ah), 1x12V(60ah)
    • instruments: LBL-navigation, chart plotter, forward looking sonar, vertical distance measuring device, depth sounder, fluxgate compass, log, depth gauge, 25khz, U/w telephone, O2/H2/CO2 measuring device, thermometer/hygro/barometer, automatic pilot
    • cameras: HD TV camera, 35mm still camera
    • illumination: 4 x HMI 400/575 W
    • manipulator: 25 kg, 5 functions
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    viewport

    The 150° bow viewport of 1.5 m diameter makes LULA an excellent tool for photographic and cinematographic documentation of the deep sea fauna.
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    manoeuvrability
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    scientific work

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

    The collection of a variety of scientific data (chemical and physical, such as methane and temperature, etc.) 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.
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    4 electric thrusters provide for excellent 3-axis manoeuvrability, making the observation of species possible at nearest distance even under difficult conditions, such as  current.

    Its hydrodynamic shape and high battery capacity enable LULA to travel long distances under water.

    cameras/illumination

    Lula´s unique illumination system consists of 4 HMI lights of 400 W resp. 575 W, mounted on movable arms.

    A HD TV camera (DVCPROHD) is mounted together with a 35mm still camera in the focal centre of the viewport. The cameras can take professional quality images.
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    all images are property of Foundation Rebikoff-Niggeler and must not be copied or used without prior consent.

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