Published on:2026-05-24 Click:32
Three-layer sheath 4-core underwater floating cable for drones and ROVs. Triple-jacket PUR construction with buoyant foam for drone/ROV tether requiring high durability.
The three-layer sheath 4-core underwater floating cable uses a triple-jacket construction: an inner PUR jacket provides the first seal and mechanical protection for the conductors; a middle layer adds chemical resistance and bending support; and the outer foamed micro-cellular PUR jacket provides buoyancy and additional abrasion protection. This three-layer design significantly extends cable service life compared to single-jacket floating cables in abrasive and chemically challenging environments. The foamed polyurethane (PUR) jacket uses a micro-cellular expanded jacket compound with a bulk density lower than seawater (~1.025 g/cm³), giving the cable near-zero or positive net buoyancy. This eliminates tether sag and reduces drag force on the ROV, improving vehicle manoeuvrability and reducing tether management workload during subsea operations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cores | 4 x stranded tinned copper |
| Jacket Structure | 3-layer: inner PUR + mid layer + foamed outer PUR |
| Outer Layer | Foamed micro-cellular PUR (buoyant) |
| Buoyancy | Positive / near-neutral |
| Abrasion Resistance | High (triple-layer) |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent (PUR all layers) |
| Colour | Yellow / orange / custom |
| Custom | Core CSA, layer thickness, length, connector |
Request datasheet, custom length, or OEM pricing: sales@rovcable.com -- Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.
The jacket is manufactured from a micro-cellular expanded (foamed) polyurethane compound. During extrusion, a controlled foaming agent creates millions of tiny closed-cell air pockets within the jacket wall. These air cells reduce the bulk density of the jacket below that of seawater (~1.025 g/cm³), producing positive or neutral net buoyancy. The jacket retains all the abrasion resistance, oil resistance, and flexibility of standard PUR while achieving the buoyancy needed for ROV tether applications.
A single thick jacket would be less flexible and harder to extrude uniformly. Three layers allow each layer to be optimised for a specific function: the inner layer seals against moisture and provides flexibility; the middle layer may be semi-rigid for crush resistance; the outer foamed layer provides buoyancy and abrasion resistance. The layered construction also allows each layer to be repaired or replaced independently.
