File:OceanGate-Cyclops-Submersible-Development-Program.ogg

English: PROJECT CYCLOPS

In May 2013, OceanGate announced the launch of Project Cyclops, a collaboration with the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Lab to build a revolutionary new manned submersible. Project Cyclops was born out of OceanGate’s appreciation for the complexity of subsea environments and the need for a diverse set of tools and technology to address operational requirements below 500 meters. OceanGate’s Cyclops 1 will function as a test platform for software, technology and equipment to be deployed on the 3,000-meter Cyclops 2 submersible, scheduled for launch in 2016.

CYCLOPS 1 Cyclops 1 features an enhanced automated control system to monitor life support, power management, navigation and other critical system diagnostics. Using a combination of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) technology and innovative system architecture designed by the Applied Physics Lab at the University of Washington and OceanGate’s internal engineering group, the automated control system aims to revolutionize how manned submersibles operate by reducing time spent on vehicle control and increasing time on mission objectives. This control system will also improve mission safety, reducing opportunity for user error.

Other reengineered technology features include new hydrodynamic components designed to maximize the submersible's in-water speed and maneuverability, and remodeled interior seating and instrument layout to enhance the client experience and increase productivity.

OceanGate’s Cyclops program was developed to meet increased demand from government and commercial clients worldwide as they continue to look for the next generation of subsea technology to address the challenges associated with deep water operations. Cyclops 1 gives OceanGate the opportunity to deploy a fully functioning, working prototype for developing technology and software for use in future submersible programs while demonstrating the company’s ability to innovate.

CYCLOPS 2 Scheduled to debut commercially in 2016, Cyclops 2 will allow up to five crew members to travel to the oceans’ depths for a multitude of different tasks and operations, including environmental assessments, inspection, equipment testing, mapping and data collection.. Featuring a large 180-degree viewing dome for collaborative observation, state-of-the-art building materials, and a lightweight design, the submersible is designed to be the most advanced of its kind in the world.

Through strategic partnerships, OceanGate has been able to apply recent advances in material science and technology from other industries to meet the challenges faced in deep ocean exploration. With the majority of the ocean's seabed still unexplored, and as commercial and scientific entities continue to expand initiatives to access potential resources from the sea, OceanGate recognizes there is an unanswered demand for a practical subsea vessel capable of frequently accessing these resources. This unique vision led to the development of a new type of manned submersible capable of safely reaching the depths of the world’s greatest oceans.