Navigation for Multiple Short Term ADCP Measurements Using an Autonomous Underwater Landing Vehicle (AULV)

Recent increases in research and development of the marine energy sector requires an in-depth knowledge of marine currents. This is obtained with current profilers. The Autonomous Underwater Landing Vehicle (AULV) is designed for the deployment of a current profiler with minimal human intervention. The AULV allows for accurate positioning of the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), and reduced safety risks associated with manual labor or diver involvement for deploying an ADCP, as it can dive and resurface autonomously, and transmit collected data wirelessly. The vehicle has a positioning accuracy of the vehicle is within a 1-meter radius, can dive at a depth of up to 10 meters, and be operated for up to 150 hours.