Oceanic Wave Glider Overview; Development and Applications

Abstract

The wave glider demonstrates a new unmanned surface vehicles (USV) platform with unique capabilities for continuous data collection, in a complex marine environment and could operate with no costly deep water mooring or shipping operations. The instruments are powered by solar panels on the surface component, making the wave glider a self-sustaining vehicle. The wave glider uses the endless power of the ocean waves to propel itself negating the need of a motor: a technological leap from typical AUVs powered by motors and buoys with expensive mooring systems. In this paper, we discuss the main types of AUVs and the development of wave glider as a solution for most challenges facing AUVs. Wave glider can be used for intelligence, surveillance, monitoring exclusive economic zones for fishing and other economic resources that are very important to coastal countries. The purpose of studying wave glider is to discuss the efficiency and functionality of it to replace many AUVs for a variety of applications. The results of study demonstrate that the wave glider is applicable in commercial and economical sectors and also in military operations. Wave glider offers a cheaper, more economical and environmentally sound method of monitoring the seas and obtain greater amounts of information at lower costs also has no need for ship time, mooring lines and at-sea servicing. KEY WORDS Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUVs), wave glider and hydrofoils. * Egyptian Armed Forces.