The flying fish: An untethered sensor platform with acoustic homing capability, its role in global scale hydrographic surveys

Abstract

A free-fall vehicle developed as a platform for a suite of oceanographic sensors is described. The vehicle's principal attributes are portability, speed, and acoustic homing. The vehicle architecture promotes the use of automated diagnostics and data collection. Concurrent with the vehicle development program at Woods Hole, several manufacturers are designing sensors which can be interfaced both mechanically and electronically with the fish. Intercomparison tests with the conventional CTD sensors are planned for late 1985 and early 1986. This paper presents the basic specifications of the Flying Fish to assist in the planning of experiments based on this instrument system. We also present some suggestions for the infrastructure required to support global scale hydrographic surveys.