HFT Turbot - Towed undulating instrument carrier

The Turbot is a joint development project between Innova and HFT, based upon previous tow fish designs undertaken by HFT and the designs of the communications- , control- and handling systems undertaken by Innova AS.

The Turbot has been designed as a terrain following/undulating towfish, on its own in shallow waters, or towed behind the ViperFish II for deeper applications. The Turbot is a finely tuned sensor carrier where distance to seabed has been found critical for surveys, test equipment or other scientific sensors.

The Turbot is controlled from the surface vessel making use of on board altimeter, pressure sensor and heading sensor or INS in addition to Hydro Acoustic Positioning. The navigation system on the surface vessel – combining own navigation and depth data with data from the VFII will keep a safe distance from the seabed as well as keeping the best possible heading and position. Where additional depression is required, the surface computer will utilize data from both systems.