Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)-results of the UK collaborative research programme

With the increase in the interest in the environment and developments in technology, the concept of using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for oceanic data collection is emerging as a means of achieving a breakthrough in the exploration and exploitation of the Worlds oceans and climatic prediction. GEC-Marconi operates an AUV that has been designed and built as a part of a UK DTI supported collaborative research programme. The vehicle designed to operate in continental shelf depths of water, with an endurance of upto 36 hours, has been equipped with an oceanographic data collection suite and is now operational. The paper reports on the progress with the GEC-Marconi led collaborative research project into AUVs which culminated last summer in open water operation of the UK´s 1st Test Bed AUV, addresses the technical requirements, and the technology available for the most practical AUV missions and provides a view as to likely future developments and future missions