An Air Deployed Multi-cycle Ocean Profiler for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

"An innovative approach, using a gliding autonomous underwatervehicle (AUVG) as a mobile intelligent relay or gateway, toconnect an underwater acoustic network to an atmospheric radionetwork is proposed. A deployable network of acoustic modems(Seaweb and DADS) attached to sensor suites for scientific andsurveillance purposes has been developed. A communication pathto an above-sea control center is required. Slocum glidersequipped with acoustic, radio, and satellite modems will completethe effectiveness of the system by acting as a crossband repeaterto transfer data and commands. The Slocum glider moves bothhorizontally and vertically, driven in a saw tooth verticalprofile by variable buoyancy. Long endurance and long rangemobility, silent operation, clandestine features, and inherentsurfacings for navigation and communication make Slocum a verysuitable platform for this technology. In operation, Slocum hasthe capability of being deployed a distance from and transitingto/amongst the littoral sea-floor network, keep virtual stationin one area, store and forward messages, and provide water columnenvironmental sensor data.Phase II support is requested to construct two battery poweredSlocum gliders dedicated to development of acoustic and RFcommunication package integration, show command and control viaboth mediums, demonstrate operability in a covert/clandestinemanner, and work in a low power endurance mode. Interoperabilitywith Se