Results of the first sea-test of Tsukuyomi: A prototype of underwater gliders for virtual mooring

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the first sea-test of Tsukuyomi - a prototype of underwater gliders for virtual mooring. Its will be able to stay in a designated water for more than one year, reciprocating between the sea-surface and the seafloor up to 3,000 meters in depth. It will sleep on the seafloor to elongate the operation time. We have successfully conducted tank-test in December 2011 and the first sea-test in March 2012. Although for the sake of safety, a thin string was connected to Tsukuyomi in the first sea-test, the dynamic stability, the maneuverability and the basic function of Tsukuyomi were confirmed.