OceanWorks International Completes French Navy HARDSUIT™ ADS Refurbishment

OceanWorks International has completed a major survey and overhaul of the French Navy's HARDSUIT™ ADS. The work was contracted to OceanWorks by ECA Robotics who maintains the HARDSUIT™ ADS for the French Navy.

The HARDSUIT™ ADS, initial delivered to the French Navy in 1991, is designed for a service life of up to 25 years. The recently completed overhaul will ensure the continued use of the HARDSUIT™ ADS by the French Navy in meeting its Submarine Rescue Intervention requirements.

French Navy HARDSUIT™ ADS deployment. Photo credit: Oceanworks

Upon receiving the HARDSUIT™ ADS, OceanWorks technicians first dis-assembled the suit and completed a thorough inspection. The next step involved the replacement of internal parts such as O-rings, Teflon seals, and other items before the HARDSUIT™ ADS was then re-assembled and put through full functionality testing as well as hydrostatic testing to 1.4 times its operational depth. A new suit would be subject to a very similar testing regimen which is a clear indication of OceanWorks emphasis on high quality standards in all facets of its manufacturing and testing processes.