Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) as tow platforms: Wave Glider experience and results

Abstract

The Wave Glider is a unique wave and solar energy powered Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). Its two-part design makes it well suited for towing instruments at depth. Deploying a towed payload from a Wave Glider results in a three body, two tether, configuration. Technical considerations for towing payloads include: Drag, Mass, Buoyancy, Power and Communications. These challenges can be managed through a variety of engineering approaches. To wing payloads behind a Wave Glider provides excellent isolation from surface and mechanical noise. It also provides a persistent, long-endurance, option for sensor deployment. Numerous applications have been demonstrated using towed bodies behind Wave Gliders. In fisheries research the Wave Glider has been used to tow a multi-frequency echosounder designed to detect biomass. Gateway missions have used a towbody to deploy acoustic modems. This has supported numerous applications, including geophysical research. Results from these projects have validated the utility of both towed sensors and the Wave Glider platform.