AUVSAutonomous Underwater Vehicles

Verified vehicle record · Operational

Seaglider

A buoyancy-driven research glider developed by UW for multi-month, basin-scale oceanographic observation.

By University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory

Long-range underwater glider1,000 mpublished maximum depth

Technical specifications

ManufacturerUniversity of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory
StatusOperational
Vehicle classLong-range underwater glider
Person-portableYes
Maximum operating depth1,000 m
EnduranceMonths; documented missions over 7 months
Range4,600 km published design value
Length1.8 m body
Diameter0.30 m
BeamNot published
HeightNot published
Weight52 kg dry
Speed0.25 m/s typical
Power system10 MJ lithium-primary batteries
NavigationDead reckoning between GPS fixes
CommunicationsIridium satellite telemetry
Sensors & payloadsCTD, dissolved oxygen, fluorometer and optical backscatter sensors

“Not published” means no value was found in the cited primary source selected for this record. It is not an estimate.

Primary applications

  • Oceanographic research
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Persistent surveillance