Autosub
Parent Body: Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH

Principal Functions
Autonomous underwater vehicle with versatile payload capacity.

Subsidiary Functions
Stable platform for user defined instruments.

General Details
Autosub is a long range, deep diving AUV with a wide range of possible applications. The current standard instrument suite consists of an ADCP, CTD, oxygen sensor, transmissometer and fluorometer along with vehicle position, attitude, depth and other engineering sensors. The vehicle design permits easy fitting and interfacing of a variety of user defined packages. The vehicle navigates using differential GPS whilst on the surface and using ADCP velocity data when underwater. Data are stored on board and a sub-set of vehicle data can be transmitted acoustically or by radio link in real time.

Specification
The vehicle is 7m long x 1m diameter and weighs 1500kg in air (it is ballasted to be slightly buoyant in water). The maximum depth rating is 1600m and the maximum range is 800km. The ADCP runs at 300kHz and has a range of up to 150m.  Additional sensors of up to 100kg in weight or 1m³ in volume can be accomodated. The Vehicle is launched from a gantry whose power requirements are 415/440V, 50/60Hz, 60A.

Special Features
A versatile underwater vehicle with a wide range of possible additional payload options including water sampling, side scan sonar and  chemical sensors.

Future Plans
Plans are under way to add improved acoustic communications and improved navigation whilst underwater.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. The advance notice required is a minimum of three months. Time not needed by SOC is available for other users.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation. There is the possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

Contact Information
Keith Birch
Business Development
Ocean Technology Division
Southampton Oceanography Centre
Empress Dock
Southampton
SO14 3ZH
Telephone:  +44 (0)23 8059 6105   Fax +44 (0)23 8059 6149
Mobile:        077 1865 6294
Email:      kgb@soc.soton.ac.uk
Web site: http://www.soc.soton.ac.uk/autosub