Kongsberg Expands Underwater Glider Portfolio with Two New Systems

Kongsberg Underwater Technology, Inc. has agreed with CoMotion, the University of Washington’s collaborative innovation hub, to obtain the sole rights to produce, market, and continue development of two new underwater glider systems.

Both new glider systems are based in part on the original, Seaglider design. The first vehicle, Deepglider, is designed for operation to a maximum of 6000 meters. This capability is unique in the world of underwater gliders, and will allow the system to completely profile over 97% of the world’s oceans, Kongsberg noted.

The second vehicle, Oculus, is specifically designed for shallow water operation. Oculus can operate from fresh water to sea water without the need to alter its static ballast. It is also capable of achieving horizontal speeds up to 2 knots. These capabilities will enable operations in areas of extreme density variation and high currents.

“We are extremely pleased to be adding Deepglider and Oculus to our underwater glider systems offering,” said Tom Healy, president of Kongsberg Underwater Technology, Inc. “Each vehicle’s unique capabilities fill some key gaps in the marketplace and will allow us to provide solutions to meet a wider range of customer needs.”

The new Kongsberg Seaglider models will be displayed alongside the Eelume underwater robot for the first time at AUVSI Xponential, which takes place this week at the Kay Bailer Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.