The Wave Glider: A persistent platform for ocean science

Abstract

The Wave Glider is an unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) unique in its ability to harness ocean wave energy for platform propulsion. This paper provides an overview of the Wave Glider vehicle's design and capabilities, and presents results from the engineering sea trials conducted with several prototype and the current production generations of the vehicle. The vehicle's performance in a variety of ocean conditions is described. The vehicle's robustness and capabilities for extended mission durations are also examined. Scientific applications of the Wave Glider are presented through discussion of preliminary results and planned programs. Finally, we discuss several payload packages that have been or are currently being developed for the vehicle.