RS Aqua ARC Lite

Much like the original ARC, RS Aqua’s ARC Lite retrieval system is designed primarily for use with Innovasea’s VR2AR and NexTrak fish tracking acoustic release (AR) receivers, as well as the Ascent AR. However, ARC Lite uses only two floats to streamline its operations.

When the AR device is activated, ARC Lite brings it to the surface whilst leaving a rope attached to the anchor for easy recovery of all seabed mooring infrastructure. Additional sensors such as passive acoustic recorders, CTDs, ADCPs and cameras can be mounted to and recovered using the ARC system. The system is low-cost, easy to maintain and includes lifetime product support from RS Aqua.

Key Features

• Compact form factor
• Compatible with world-leading Innovasea Acoustic Release
• Allows simple recovery of seabed mooring
• Buoyancy: 2 x 11″ trawl floats; widely available off the shelf
• Three sizes available: ARC Lite 150, ARC Lite 300 and ARC Lite 450

Construction

ARC Lite was developed alongside our underwater listening deployments for Project MARLIN and was designed to fit within a lander. The system uses a smaller top plate with only two floats so is easier to transport, whilst still providing adequate flotation and reliability in less severe environments.

The system comprises of two main sections; the upper plate and the rope canister. The upper plate attaches to the AR device’s mooring brackets and holds two 11” 8.4kg buoyancy trawl floats. This section ascends to the surface when the AR device is activated.

The rope canister is attached to the release lug at the base of the AR device and the seabed anchor. As the upper plate ascends, the rope is spooled out of the canister allowing subsequent recovery of the seabed anchor.

Manufacturing of ARC Lite is achieved with robust, high-quality materials, no moving parts and minimal fittings. This reduces failure points, and minimises maintenance, whilst keeping total costs low. It is designed to present a low profile in high tide and current environments, and all parts can be removed for easy replacement and cost-effective shipping.

There are two leg material options available for ARC Lite, easily replaceable Stainless Steel or Delrin Plastic, each with their own advantages as detailed in the Additional Information section.