CURV 7 ROV Completes First Operational Mission

Phoenix International’s newly developed CURV 7 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) has successfully completed its inaugural operational mission for the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV).

The CURV 7 represents the latest evolution in the long-standing CURV family of subsea robotic systems. The successful mission demonstrates the vehicle’s deep-ocean capabilities and reinforces Phoenix’s commitment to providing reliable, mission-ready subsea systems for the U.S. Navy.

The system provides a complete and highly mobile deep-ocean intervention capability. In addition to the ROV itself, it includes an electro-optic umbilical cable, an umbilical traction winch and storage reel, a deck hydraulic power unit, an operations van, a maintenance van, and a spares storage van.

CURV 7 is powered by six electric thrusters that enable movement across all six degrees of motion, providing precise control during complex underwater operations. For specialized missions, the vehicle can be outfitted with customized tool packages, including dredgers, jetters, instrument packages, and specialized salvage tooling.

Tim Coop, the lead Phoenix engineer throughout the CURV design and build project, commented, “CURV 7 successfully completing its inaugural mission is a tremendous accomplishment for the entire team. This milestone reflects years of engineering, testing, and collaboration with SUPSALV to deliver a next-generation system capable of supporting the Navy’s most demanding underwater operations worldwide.”

Following this operational milestone, additional testing is planned for later this year to further validate the system’s capabilities and continue expanding its operational readiness.