Unmanned Ocean Explorers
mapmaking, sensor web, water December 1st, 2007
The Gavia autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) provides a relatively low-cost means for underwater exploration. This submarine craft is equipped with an eoSwath Swath Bathymetry Sonar, side scan sonar, camera, turbidity and O2 sensors. The craft has a modular design that allows for interchangeable custom payload modules and custom applications.
The Gavia comes standard with WAAS / EGNOS corrected GPS, Wireless LAN, and Iridium satellite connection. It can navigate either by using a Doppler Velocity Log aided Inertial Navigation System or by utilizing acoustic positioning.
The interesting image on the left comes from a recent demonstration at the Changi Sailing Club in Singapore where detailed sonar bathymetry discovered the wreck of a downed sea plane.
The Gavia won the 2006 Frost and Sullivan Disruptive Solution in Homeland Security Award for its ability to secure seaports and critical off-shore infrastructure.
I can see a lot of interesting applications for this vehicle, particularly given our relatively poor understanding of the underwater world and coastal regions. Learn more about the Gavia, including a demonstration video, on the Gavia website.
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January 30th, 2008 at 7:07 am
[...] is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This group is using three Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to map the coral reefs around this Caribbean island. The [...]