Scorpio ROV

Lore & Background

The Scorpio ROV was originally developed by AMETEK Straza of El Cajon, California, and subsequently developed by Perry Tritech. Scorpio ROVs are named in a sequence following the order of manufacture, such as 'Scorpio 17' or 'Scorpio 45'. The UK operates a Scorpio 45, based at the Australian Submarine Rescue Service headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. It carries three remote cameras, two manipulator arms (including cutting equipment), one sonar device and six 250 Watt lights. It is operated by James Fisher Defense, which provides the underwater rescue service to the Royal Australian Navy. The vehicle is deployed along with a control room built into a standard shipping container.

The Super Scorpio, delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1987, is a 'Tethered Unmanned Work Vehicle System' used for recovery of sunken military and commercial hardware. It features two cameras, a sonar, six lights and two robotic arms that can cut steel cable up to one inch thick and lift up to 250 pounds each. The sonar has a range of 2,000 feet. Scorpio vehicles were sent to assist in the rescue of the Russian submarine Kursk in 2000, but were unable to save any of the 118 crew. In 2002, researchers used a Scorpio ROV to locate the SEALAB II/III habitat off La Jolla, California. In 2005, both UK and U.S. Scorpio vehicles were sent to assist the trapped Russian Priz class submersible AS-28 off the Kamchatka Peninsula; the British Scorpio freed the submersible, saving all seven crew members.

Reader's Guide

The Scorpio ROV family has played a significant role in both commercial sub-sea operations and military submarine rescue. Its design, though originating decades ago, continues to underpin current-generation Scorpio-branded vehicles. The Scorpio 45, operated by James Fisher Defense for the Royal Australian Navy, exemplifies the platform's adaptability, carrying multiple cameras, manipulator arms, sonar, and powerful lights for deep-water intervention. The Super Scorpio, delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1987, demonstrates the system's heavy-lift and cutting capabilities for recovering sunken hardware. The Scorpio's legacy is defined by its involvement in high-profile rescue attempts. The failed rescue of the Kursk in 2000 highlighted the challenges of deep-sea operations, while the successful freeing of the Russian AS-28 submersible in 2005—where a British Scorpio cut the trapped vessel free—underscored the vehicle's practical value in saving lives. The 2002 expedition to locate the SEALAB habitat further shows its utility in scientific and historical research. Together, these missions establish the Scorpio as a versatile and enduring tool for underwater work and emergency response.

Did You Know?

• The Scorpio name stands for Submersible Craft for Ocean Repair, Position, Inspection and Observation.
• The Super Scorpio can cut steel cable up to one inch thick with its robotic arms.
• A British Scorpio 45 freed the trapped Russian submersible AS-28 in 2005, saving all seven crew members.