Hey Sid! Responding to your request for some specs: BOB's body is made of 1/2" PVC. Overall dimensions are 13"X13"X7" (not counting the floats). He gets around using three 500 GPH bilge pump motors, fitted with hobby airplane props. One motor for vertical lift and descent and two for horizontal thrust and reverse. He has a color board camera set in a bed of epoxy housed in a 1.5 inch PVC coupler and 2 inch ABS cap. His field of view is illuminated with a 12 volt LED light encased in epoxy. All this is powered by a 12 volt 7.5Ah dry cell battery attached to a 100 foot power and video cable. I bought a drop down ceiling mount mobile 15 inch color monitor (designed for RV's, boats, and cars) and with a little modification to the orientation of the display panel, it opens like a laptop computer. The video quality is excellent. Once I get a video recording device set in line, we'll put up some footage from BOB's exploits.
gfisch, I am no CIA operative, but I concur with you about BOB's recovery potential. Matt and I will be working on a gripper design to do just those kinds of missions. We also think another "eye" or two might be helpful to help watch out for those underwater hazards and clandestine attacks of stealthy ne'er-do-wells.
Until next time, my Fine Fishy Friends!