Development of Underwater Glider "Tsukuyomi" for Virtual Mooring

- Gliding Tests in Towing Tank -

Abstract

A prototype of a 3000m-class underwater glider for virtual mooring is being developed by JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology) with RIAM (Research Institute for Applied Mechanics) of Kyushu University. The vehicle houses an observation equipment and glides back and forth between the sea surface and the seabed collecting ocean data in a specific area (virtual mooring area) for more than one year.This paper summarizes the design concept and an outline of the glider and shows the results of the gliding tests in a towing tank.