Development of a Micro-glider for Oceanographic Air-Sea Interaction Sampling Navy STTR FY2014.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2014.A Topic No.: N14A-T020 Topic Title: Development of a Micro-glider for Oceanographic Air-Sea Interaction Sampling Proposal No.: N14A-020-0196 Firm: MRV Systems, LLC 11558 Sorrento Valley Road Suite 1 San Diego, California 92121-1312 Contact: Jim Dufour Phone: (858) 952-5936 Web Site: www.mrvsys.com Abstract: This proposal is a collaborative effort between MRV Systems and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with additional support from RBR Global and Rockland Scientific. The goal is to develop a new, small, inexpensive autonomous vehicle to investigate mixed layer dynamics and turbulent mixing. The preliminary Phase I design, a Diagonally Operating Platform (DOP), is a profiling float with moveable fins. DOP will turn toward an intended direction within a few meters, be capable of making hydrographic, turbulence, and solar irradiance observations from the air-sea interface to several hundred meters. DOP costs 4-6 times less than a glider and costs the same as an Argo float. DOP vertical velocity is greater than gliders or floats, thus producing true vertical profiles. DOP represents an efficient single solution for stated objectives in this proposal. Onboard sensors include CTD, microstructure temperature and velocity shear probes, multi-band radiometer, 3-axis accelerometer, compass, GPS, and Iridium transceiver. We are confident the DOP will better match the three technical objectives of the STTR topic. Assuming earlier success, in Phase II, prototype vehicles would be manufactured and fully vetted in both laboratory and tank tests. MRV Systems existing technologies specialize in low-cost, fully capable underwater vehicles. Benefits: Based on preliminary tests the Diagonal Operating Platform (DOP) float will provide a benefit to scientific, commercial, and defense organizations. Most horizontally displaced, directionally controlled UUVs are expensive, including gliders. Once deployed, these devices require dedicated manpower and vessels, exhibit multiple inefficiencies, are prone to loss or capture, and most important, they lack being capable of managing complete area authority. MRV Systems designs and produces low-cost, high-density array assets. The DOP float technology will support a wide range of needs that fall between vertically profiling floats and horizontal gliders. The DOP can perform vertical profiles while maintaining position, move to a predetermined location, or follow a predetermined course. This device also carries a wide variety of sensors not unlike sensor ensembles installed on vertical floats or gliders. Floats and gliders are less energy efficient than the DOP asset. Market research conducted by MRV indicates a robust and profitable market for many applications. MRV has delivered an impressive array of devices that include Argo floats, A-size multi-profiling floats, heavy weather assets, ice-hardened floats, bottom dwelling floats, biogeochemical floats, and ACOMMS assets. Reprioritizing defense budgets has allowed MRV to fulfill many newly defined objectives as directed by the DOD. These objectives include minimizing risk to personnel, abiding to budget restrictions, fulfilling the insatiable demand for autonomously derived information, and building a more reliable and intelligent assortment of instruments. MRV will be recognized as the company that embraced and fulfilled these goals. MRV designs innovative tools. Many of the devices designed and manufactured by MRV focus on small and inexpensive. There is a strong consensus that MRV technologically advanced instruments will create a quantum leap in global defense initiatives. Return