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TB5

The TB5 range is a set of robust, non-magnetic initiation floats that enable stand-off RF initiation for subsea charges, with submersible and surface options built for rapid deployment and reliable recovery.

The Challenge

Initiate subsea charges from a safe distance—without losing control of the firing chain.

Operators often need to place a charge on a target and then create safe stand-off while maintaining a clean, dependable initiation path. That can be difficult when working in wet, moving environments, where setup time is limited and kit must function reliably under pressure.

Teams also face practical constraints: the initiation method must suit the platform (ROV, diver, topside operator), the float must be easy to handle, deploy and recover, and the firing chain needs to be repeatable between serial tasks—without complex re-rigging.

In subsea work, there’s the added requirement of keeping the initiation system protected and watertight, while also ensuring the stand-off range is appropriate to the operation and the chosen RF initiator. The TB5 range addresses these realities with proven float formats, interchangeable shocktube canisters, and compatibility with a variety of existing RF initiation devices.

TB5 Key features & benefits

What TB5 solves

TB5 floats provide a simple, reliable route to RF-initiated stand-off, with ROV-handling for submersible variants, rapid deployment features, and interchangeable shocktube canisters to speed reset and reuse between tasks.

Accepts a variety of RF initiation devices, delivering stand-off ranges (device dependent) from 1–10km, and up to 1–25km on the timed-release variant.

Choose submersible floats rated to 100m, or surface floats for topside handling and initiation.

Interchangeable shocktube canister system, with cartridges holding 140m of 3mm shocktube for rapid reuse.

Submersible versions are easily held by any ROV manipulator, deploy rapidly, and are designed for easy recovery (handle / optional aids like lights or pinger).

TB5 Key Specifications

Performance Parameters

A non-magnetic aluminium float family with watertight RF initiator storage (submersible), shocktube/electric initiation options (surface variants), and consistent deployment/recovery design across formats.

Range options

Phantom Submersible; Phantom Submersible Timed Release; Phantom Surface; Spectre SeaFox Surface

Construction

Non-magnetic, robust aluminium construction (across the range)

Operational depth

Submersible variants: 0–100m (watertight compartment rated to 100m); Surface variants: surface operation only

Detonation / firing line

Submersible: Nonel 3mm shocktube; Surface: Nonel 3mm shocktube or electric (model dependent)

Stand-off range

Typically 1–10km (RF device dependent); timed-release version notes 1–25km (RF device dependent) and use with Chemring LORIS DRID-ST and PED

Physical formats (typical)

Submersible: L 600mm x Dia 400mm; 6kg. Surface: L 700mm x Dia 400mm; 6.5kg. Spectre SeaFox Surface: L 1400mm x Dia 750mm; 18kg

Gallery

The bigger picture

A proven, non-magnetic aluminium RF initiation float family that supports rapid, repeatable stand-off initiation—with submersible (to 100m) and surface formats, plus interchangeable 140m shocktube canisters for fast reset and reuse.

Contact us

Get in touch to learn more about TB5

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