Payload sensors, navigation and risk reduction for AUV under ice surveys

AUVs have proved robustness and high performance in applications including naval mine counter measures, marine research and deep water offshore oil and gas surveys. A next step is to introduce AUVs to under ice geophysical surveys. A main challenge for regular under ice operations is to handle the risk of a loss of a vehicle, or long operational interruptions. The paper discusses how to reduce this risk by careful tailoring of critical AUV subsystems. A fundamental requirement is to apply a robust, well designed and well proven vehicle, continually upgraded from field experiences. Another main challenge is to design a sensor suite that allows for cost efficient and fast mapping of the vast areas under ice. A geophysical sensor suite is presented and solutions for high area coverage rates examined.