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

摘要

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.