SGX Gliders for Long-Range, Sustained ONR Missions; Modernizing the Fleet
Abstract
This DURIP proposal requests funds to acquire four next-generation SGX gliders, twoDeepgliders (as an option) and accompanying sensors for use in upcoming ONRsponsored research efforts, including sustained deployments in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, the harsh subpolar North Atlantic, the Western Pacific and the Arctic. SGX represents the next generation of Seaglider technology, with enhancements that include new computational architecture, added payload handling and extended endurance. Deepglider provides 6000-m depth capability, which can be used to capture the underlying structure of mesoscale eddies and to resolve deep, strong boundary currents. We have not yet licensed SGX to our commercial partner, Kongsberg Underwater technology, and fabricate the vehicles internally. Deepgliders are also fabricatedinternally. Internal fabricated Seagliders typically cost roughly 30% less than what it would cost us to acquire them commercially, providing significant savings while also allowing us to incorporate all of our latest advances into each new build. SGXincorporates the full suite of recent developments, including the new CPU architecture and mainboard (more energy-efficient and more capable than the existing architecture, enabling implementation of new capabilities), payload controller, unified battery andmotor architecture, high-pressure boost pump, new hull design and rescue beacon, tomaximize mission endurance and flexibility. Proposed SGX gliders will be equipped witha standard payload of Seabird temperature and conductivity sensor, Aanderaa optodedissolved oxygen sensor and Wetlabs chlorophyll fluorometer and optical backscattersensor, Nortek glider ADCP and the tightly integrated microstructure package(temperature and shear) developed and successfully deployed by our group.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912586
Entities
People
- Craig Lee
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Washington