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[Manufacturers] [RFQ]
Apex Float
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Autonomous
Profiling Explorer
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 | APEX
APEX, like its predecessor ALACE, is an autonomous drifting
profiler used to measure subsurface currents and make profile
measurements. It surfaces at programmed intervals for data telemetry
and geo-location via ARGOS satellite. Standard sensors include TP and
Salinity; other sensor options are available.
APEX has a nominal 4-year life (though at least one has lasted more
than seven years) and is designed to surface approximately 150 times
from a maximum depth of 2000 meters. APEX is field proven. As of
March, 2010, 6000 APEX floats have been delivered to users in 19
nations. Recent field data are available from the Atlantic, Pacific,
and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Japan, Red, and South
China Seas
APEX automatically adjusts buoyancy to follow an isobaric surface
while drifting, or can be programmed to follow an isopycnal surface.
The optional "park and profile" feature, in use since March 2000,
allows drift depth to be de-coupled from maximum profile depth. For
example, a float might be programmed to drift at 1000 db, then descend
to 2000 db before profiling upward to the surface.
Floats are provided deployment-ready, and are routinely deployed from
merchant ships (VOS) while moving at 20+ knots. Proven VOS deployment
packages are available options. APEX can be easily tested and
re-programmed by connecting a terminal.
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Glider
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Slocum Glider
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| Slocum Glider
 Versatile,
maneuverable and powered with alkaline batteries, the electric glider
can be deployed for a period of 15 to 30 days at a 600- to 1500-km
range. Its flexible payload allows it to carry customized sensors. The
coastal glider can be operated to depths of 4–200 meters and the 1-km
glider to 1000 meters.The principle advantages of Autonomous
Underwater Vehicle Gliders (AUVGs) are:
1. Very suitable for long-range and endurance, if low to moderate
speed is acceptable.
2. The sawtooth profile is optimal for both vertical and horizontal
observations in the water column.
3. Regular surfacing is excellent for capturing GPS and two-way
communication. No other navigational aids are required and the system
is very portable.
Forward Propulsion
Gliders are unique in the AUV world, in that the forward
propulsion is created by varying vehicle buoyancy. Wings and control
surfaces convert the vertical velocity into forward velocity so that
the vehicle glides downward when denser than water and glides upward
when buoyant (Fig 1). Gliders require no propeller and operate in a
vertical sawtooth trajectory.
Fig 1. Force balance diagram of forces acting on
Glider, angle of attack not included.
Navigation and Flight
The Slocum Battery Glider dead reckons to waypoints, inflecting at
set depths and altitudes based on a mission text file. As set by the
mission, the Glider periodically surfaces to communicate data and
instructions and to obtain a GPS fix for location. Any difference in
dead reckoning and position is attributed to current, and that
knowledge is used on the subsequent segment.
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