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AUV System Spec Sheet

Autonomous Profiling Explorer configuration

Platform: Autonomous Profiling Explorer
Manufacturer: Teledyne Webb Research

Summary

APEX is a autonomous drifting profiler used to measure subsurface currents and make profile measurements. It surfaces at programmed intervals for data telemetry and geo-location via ARGOS or IRIDIUM satellite. Standard sensors include TP and Salinity; other sensor options are available .

APEX has a 4-year life and can surface approximately 150 times from a maximum depth of 2000 meters. Over 6000 APEX floats have been delivered to users in 19 nations. Floats are provided deployment-ready, and are routinely deployed from merchant ships (VOS) while moving at 20+ knots. The APEX salinity profiler has been certified by US Dept. of Defense for air deployment from C130 aircraft.

APEX floats drift at a fixed pressure (usually around 1000 meters depth) for 10 days. Then, within the relatively short time of around six hours, the floats move to a profiling pressure (usually 2000 meters deep) before rising and collecting profiles of pressure, temperature, and salinity on their way to the surface, where they transmit the data collected via a satellite link back to a ground station. The floats then sink again and repeat their missions. APEX float lifetime is about four years.

 

Physical Specs

  • Platform: Autonomous Profiling Explorer Download PDF
  • Body Type: Torpedo
  • Size (LxWxH): 0.13m x 0.02m x 0.02m
  • Body Size (LxWxH): 0.13m x 0.02m x 0.02m
  • Hull Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 26.00kg
  • Maximum Depth: 2,000.00 m
  • Dynamic Buoyancy: No
  • Self-Righting: Yes
  • Obstacle Avoidance: No
  • Endurance (nominal load): 35040 hours
  • Manufacturer Website: Link

Primary Missions

  • Oceanographic Survey

Propulsion System

  • Method:
  • DOF: 1
  • Hovering:
  • Nominal Speed: 0.00
  • Maximum Forward Speed: 0.00

Power System

  • Total Capacity: 0 Wh

Launch and Recovery

  • Hand Held

Related Publications

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