Schottel has expanded its portfolio with a submersible auxiliary thruster designed for manned and unmanned underwater vehicles.
Schottel said the compact SPJ-S has been specifically developed for demanding civil and military subsurface applications that require precise manoeuvring, high availability, and compact installation.
The SPJ-S features a specially designed pressure compensation system. Schottel said that by equalising the hydrostatic pressure at the seals, the system enables reliable deepwater applications.
The generated thrust can be continuously adjusted through 360 degrees, providing the underwater platform with maximum manoeuvrability. Schottel said this makes the SPJ-S particularly suitable for operations in confined waters and applications requiring high positioning accuracy, both in surfaced conditions and at great depths.
The electrically driven impeller eliminates the need for a gearbox and supports smooth, low-noise operation, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive underwater missions, according to the manufacturer.
Unlike retractable auxiliary propulsion systems which must be deployed before use, the SPJ-S is immediately available, and delivers thrust without time-consuming deployment procedures or protruding external components. For operators, this means faster platform readiness whenever additional manoeuvring capability is required.
The SPJ-S is mounted flush with the hull, ensuring that hydrodynamic resistance remains unchanged. At the same time, the design reduces the risk of damage in the event of seabed contact in shallow or challenging waters.
Its robust construction enables controlled bottoming on the seabed, further expanding operational capabilities. Schottel said that, thanks to its compact installation within the outer hull, the SPJ-S can be integrated into a wide range of platforms, from extra large unmanned underwater vehicles to submarines.
In addition to its function as an auxiliary thruster, the SPJ-S can also serve as a take-home propulsion system, helping to maintain manoeuvrability in the event of a main propulsion failure. It is available in three sizes, covering a power range of approximately 50 to 990 kW.