AUV's -- The Maturity of the Technology
Abstract
The development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and their introduction into the military and offshore markets, has been a slow and costly process. This paper will provide an overview of those using and developing AUVs, discuss the state-of-the-art, and provide a projection on where the technology is heading and the hurdles it must overcome to reach maturity. The future for AUVs is wide open. The pockets of technology exist in many countries to develop cost effective, reliable, autonomous vehicles that can perform a multitude of relevant missions. When, and to what level, these centers of excellence are able to advance the technology and field cost-effective AUVs is driven by funding. AUV technology can advance rapidly if increased government funding is provided to build something other than a handful of multi-million dollar systems. We can continue in this fashion -- slowly with minimal advancement up the curve. Or, we can get serious about fielding the technology that presently exists, and investing into those AUV technologies that are truly critical. For the cost of launching one space satellite, hundreds of AUVs could be launched into the oceans on limited duration missions today. The paper concludes with a listing of AUVs that are currently in development or operation throughout the world along with information on the entity that funded the AUV, its cost (high, medium, low), the performing organization, and an internet or e-mail contact. (4 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA422369
Entities
People
- Robert L. Wernli
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command