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See How It Works


 

Converting Wave Motion Into Propulsion

Wave energy is greatest at the water’s surface, decreasing rapidly with increasing depth. The Wave Glider’s unique two-part architecture exploits this difference in energy to provide forward propulsion.

Leveraging Solar Energy for Extra Power and Precision

The Wave Glider offers an additional propulsion system using stored solar energy. The additional directional thrust increases mobility and precision and helps to navigate challenging ocean conditions (doldrums, high currents, and hurricanes/cyclones), or accommodate mission changes. The solar energy system also recharges batteries that power sensors.

Autonomous Navigation: Real-Time Communications

Operate the Wave Glider individually or in fleets with fewer pilots and less risk. Change missions in real-time to adapt to new operational requirements. Other key capabilities include:

  • Programmable course navigation including precise hold-station capabilities
  • Vessel detection and avoidance
  • Multi-vehicle fleet operations
  • Flexible piloting, sea-side control, and 3rd party navigation support
 

Winch for Deploying Ocean Sensors at Depth

Designed specifically for the Wave Glider, the Winch 150P offers continuous power and communications through the line down to the payload at the sinker, making it ideal for subsea acoustics, CTD and fluorometry casts, water sampling, and fish tracking.


 

Open Sensor and Payload Integration Architecture

The Wave Glider is designed to support a wide range of sensors and payloads. The modular and adaptable payload design, coupled with a powerful solar energy system and on-board compute environment, allows our partners to develop and deliver unique solutions to customers. More importantly, it allows customers to scale a proven application across many Wave Gliders quickly.

 
 

Wave Glider Specifications

  • Water Speed: Up to 0.8 kt in SS 2; 1.4 kt in SS 3; 2.0 kt in SS 4+
  • Endurance: Up to 1 year (varies based on operating conditions and location)
  • Minimum Water Depth: > 15 m
  • Station Keeping: 30 m radius
  • Payload Mounting Options: On Mast, In-Float, Hull, Sub, Winch, Towing
  • Average Continuous Power: 5W – 25W
  • Max Solar Collection: 225W (nominal)
  • Battery Capacity: 0.9kWh – 6.8kWh rechargeable
  • Communications: Satellite, Cell, Wi-Fi, Line of Sight Radio
Wave Glider SV3 standard dimensions

Mission Management Software

Intelligent Vehicle Software: Regulus

  • Autonomy and precise control
  • Detailed self-awareness and health monitoring
  • Customize payload and vehicle behavior

Command and Control Software: WGMS

  • Plan, monitor, pilot missions and manage data
  • Multi-user, multi-vehicle, and multi-mission
  • Real-time control and data access, anytime, anywhere