The NRL "ORCA" Oceanographic Survey Vessel,
Abstract
The Mapping, Charting and Geodesy Branch of the Naval Research Laboratory at Stennis Space Center, MS. is conducting a multi-year program for the development of unmanned, untethered sensor systems for the collection of tactical oceanographic data in littoral regions. The primary function of this program is the development of immediate force multiplying survey capabilities for the collection of a variety of oceanographic data to support the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office. Additional goals include the identification and demonstration of sensor systems compatible with the ORCA vessel and the guidance of future sensor development. A long term goal is to transition appropriate sensor technologies to fully submerged low-cost autonomous vessels. This paper reviews the vessel, sensor systems, program progress to date and the future plans for a comprehensive oceanographic survey system. The prototype platform currently in use for this project is the ORCA semi-submersible. The ORCA is an air-breathing vessel which travels just below the water surface. The vessel utilizes direct radio links for real-time data and vehicle control communications, as well as a DGPS system for precise platform positioning. The primary sensor installed on ORCA is the Simrad EM950 system which collects bathymetry and collocated acoustic imagery in water up to 300 meters in depth. With the HMPS bathymetry post-processing software, the ORCA is capable of same-day chart production. In contrast to a full size survey vessel, ORCA is able to collect bathymetric data of the same quantity and quality, but will have one fortieth the life-cycle costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA312041
Entities
People
- Brian S. Bourgeois
- Mike Harris
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory