Development of a long endurance autonomous underwater vehicle for ocean science exploration

Abstract

The authors' goal is to greatly increase access to the Arctic Ocean by creating and demonstrating a safe and economical platform capable of basin-scale surveys. Specifically, they are developing an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for Arctic research with unprecedented endurance, and the capability to relay data through the Ice to satellites. They provide a means of monitoring changes taking place in the Arctic Ocean and investigate its impact on global climate changes. The vehicle will also be capable of seafloor surveys throughout the Arctic basin. Such a capability is of national and global interest and importance.