Following its acquisition of the Seaglider™ exclusive commercial license from the University of Washington in May 2013, Kongsberg Maritime has launched the Kongsberg Seaglider™ AUV at AUVSI 2013.
As the first vehicle from the new Kongsberg Maritime business unit, Underwater Glider Systems, KONGSBERG Seaglider™ is a low-cost, long endurance AUV that is capable of deployment durations in excess of 9 months. The technology uses changes in buoyancy for thrust, which combined with an extremely hydrodynamic shape results in very low-energy requirements, hence its ability to partake in much longer missions than propeller driven AUVs.
Kongsberg Seaglider™ joins the Kongsberg HUGIN and REMUS AUVs, and introduces long-duration operation capabilities into the company’s underwater vehicle portfolio. The system is capable of deploying a range of sensors making it an effective instrument for collecting a variety of ocean data..
“As the sole holder of the commercial rights to this highly successful, field proven glider technology, we are keen to maximize its potential for the marine research community by combining the extensive specialist knowledge and experience we have gained from developing HUGIN and REMUS AUVs,” said Rich Patterson, general manager underwater glider systems, Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc.
Full production of KONGSBERG Seaglider™ is expected by December 2013, although there is capacity for delivery of special orders before this date.