Station Keeping Drifting Data Buoy for Ocean and Meteorological Data Retrieval in Severe Marine Environments

The proposed system is for a lightweight air-deployable expendable system capable of performing functions similar to existing ocean meteorological drifters, with the additional capability of maintaining station and/or repositioning itself on command. The system will keep station better by the sea anchor effect of the inactive tow motor, and has the ability to automatically regain station by towing when outside of the designated watch circle. The repositioning function is facilitated by commanding the AXSEB via satellite to tow to a designated geographic position. When towing the drag is reduced by towing the surface float underwater in line with the thermistor chain, in a sprint-and-drift fashion, thereby minimizing the propulsive energy necessary for the 72-hour towing period. This will decrease size and weight enabling a practicable configuration for air-deployability. This approach will also reduce the cost of the buoy.