An Air Deployed Multi-Cycle Ocean Profiler for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

Abstract

To realize an innovative approach, using a gliding autonomous underwater vehicle (AUVG) as a mobile intelligent relay or gateway, connecting an underwater acoustic network to an atmospheric radio network. There is a deployable network of acoustic modems attached to sensor suites for scientific and surveillance purposes (Seaweb and DADS). A communication path to an above-sea control center is required. Slocum gliders equipped with acoustic, radio, and satellite modems will complete the effectiveness of the system by acting as a crossband repeater to transfer data and commands. The Slocum glider moves both horizontally and vertically, driven in a saw tooth vertical profile by variable buoyancy. Long endurance and long-range mobility, silent operation, clandestine features, and inherent surfacings for navigation and communication make Slocum a very suitable platform for this technology. Slocum presents a low-profile, non-permanent target, which is very difficult to detect. In operation, Slocum has the capability of being deployed a distance from and transiting to/amongst the littoral sea-floor network, keep virtual station in one area, store and forward messages, and provide water column environmental sensor data.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2002
Accession Number
ADA628453

Entities

People

  • Douglas Webb

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
  • Buoyancy
  • Deep Oceans
  • Detectors
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Reconnaissance
  • Repeaters
  • Sea Control
  • Seabed
  • Software Development
  • Surveillance
  • Underwater Gliders
  • Underwater Vehicles
  • Unmanned Vehicles
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Computer Networking
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Oceanography.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites