Épaulard

Épaulard at La Seyne-sur-Mer
History
France
NameÉpaulard
NamesakeKiller whale
OwnerIfremer
BuilderECA Group
Commissioned1980
General characteristics
Class & typeremotely operated underwater vehicle
Displacement3 tonnes
Length4 metres
Beam1.1 metres
Height2 metres
Depth6000 m
PropulsionSail
Speed1 m/s
Range20 km
Endurance7 to 12 hours
Sensors &
processing systems
5000-shot BENTHOS 377 photographic camera
ArmourAluminum

Épaulard is a French remotely operated underwater vehicle of the Ifremer. She was the first robotic submarine capable of taking photographs at a depth of 6000 metres. Built in 1980, Épaulard was decommissioned in 1991.