Flying Node AUV

Flying Node AUV

A hybrid glider AUV with seabed landing capability.

The Flying Node is a cost effective and unique AUV, using hybrid glider- AUV technology. This technology gives exceptional stability during flight and allows it to land on the seabed and remain there for up to a year collecting data before flying home. The Flying Node can be fitted with various sensors and data loggers to match the application.

The Flying Node is designed for deep water (3,000m) and with a weight of just 35kg in air it is the lightest, 3,000m rated, AUV available on the market.

Its compact design and excellent manoeuvrability simplify deployment and recovery. Flying Nodes are perfectly designed to work with ARL’s automated deployment and recovery and deck handling systems for safe and efficient back deck operations in high sea states.

Physical

  • Dimensions cm (WxLxH)            58x58x28
  • Weight in Air                               35kg
  • Battery chemistry                       Lithium
  • Recharge time                            < 6 hours
  • Heavy on seabed, buoyant near surface

Operating

  • Max depth                          3,000m
  • Operating speed range     0.5m/s to 3m/s
  • Max ascent angle               60°
  • Max descent angle             60°

Endurance

  • Max range                                       55km
  • Max seabed loiter                          1 year
  • Max seabed seismic recording     60 days

AUV Swarm

AUV Swarm

Flying Nodes are scalable: they can work on their own, in small pods or in swarms of thousands of nodes.

The Flying Node and its supporting systems, including the deployment and recovery, deck handling systems, acoustic localisation, data management and command and control have been designed from the ground up to make operation of thousands of vehicles a reality.

The low cost of the node, in combination with its small size and ease of storage, also make it ideal for large scale deployment.

Deployment & Recovery

Deployment & Recovery

Efficient and safe deployment and recovery is vital for the mass deployment of AUV’s.

Autonomous Robotics are developing technology that will allow the safe deployment and recovery of over 1,200 Flying Nodes in 24 hours.

The deployment and recovery equipment will be operable up to sea state 5 extending the operating envelope well beyond other traditional AUV deployment and recovery methods.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property

ARL has an extensive patent portfolio.

Our patents are registered in over 40 countries, covering AUV design, deployment & recovery equipment and novel survey operations which substantially reduce the time and cost of performing seismic surveys.