Analox Military Systems (AMS) has supplied gas analysis equipment to an ambitious project which has provided the first ever film footage of a giant squid in its natural habitat.
AMS, which is based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, supplied Sub Aspidas to monitor the atmosphere inside the submersibles used in the project, ensuring safe conditions at all times for the crew and scientists on board.
Footage of the giant squid will be premiered in Discovery TV’s Monster Squid: The Giant is Real on Sunday, 27th January, 2013 (8pm ET/PT). Discovery Channel joined forces with NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, to organize the project to film the creature, which has to date only been captured in still photographs.
The submersibles used for the project were organized by Mark Taylor of Manned Sub International, who has worked with AMS for a number of years. More than 55 submersible dives were required and more than 285 hours underwater, some at depths greater than 3,000 feet. Two deep sea submersibles with panoramic views were used to film the giant squid. Mark commented: “The Giant Squid has never before been filmed in the deep, and it has been thrilling to work on this project. Thanks to AMS and the Sub Aspida, we have been able to ensure everyone in the submersibles has been safe from potentially harmful gases at all times.”
Vicky Brown, Sales and Marketing Director for AMS, said: “This was an ambitious and exciting project, which has proved amazingly successful. Mark’s expertise made sure the dives were conducted safely. He is a great supporter of AMS and our gas analysis products, and we’re delighted that the Sub Aspida has played a part in this ground breaking project.”
The Sub Aspida is a portable dual gas monitor which detects both high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and low levels of oxygen (O2) in the air inside the submersible. It is used to alert the crew to changes in the atmosphere which could cause injury to those working in the submersible.
Analox Military Systems is a division of Analox Group which is based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. Analox specialises in the design and manufacture of gas analysers for military and commercial use.