The Applied Physics Laboratory has led AUV design and development since the 1950s, and now SEAGLIDER heralds a revolution in AUV oceanographic applications. With satellite data telemetry SEAGLIDER delivers continuous, real-time data relay and rational control capabilities over large geographic areas and long time scales.
Applications
Physical, chemical, and biological oceanography
Tactical oceanography
Maritime reconnaissance
Communication gateway
Navigation aid
Operational Modes
Survey: transits a sequence of waypoint targets
Virtual mooring: profiles at target location
Loiter and drift: maintains neutral buoyancy at any depth
Loiter on bottom: maintains negative buoyancy
Surface: positions antenna mast for GPS/RF data telemetry
Milestones
First to complete >3800 km mission
First to complete >7 month mission
First to conduct multi-glider mission
The Seaglider Fabrication Center (SFC) of the University of Washington provides new Seagliders™, operator training, and glider refurbishment to internal (UW) customers. SFC is a division of the School of Oceanography, managed by Dr. Fritz Stahr.
External customers can purchase the same from Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc Who has lisenced the technology and established a manufacturing center in Lynwood Washington.