[PSUBS-MAILIST] undersea robot makes history

[William Alford <walford@dbtech.net>]

>
> http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041108012708.htm   

A small ocean glider named Spray is the first autonomous underwater vehicle, or
AUV, to cross the Gulf Stream underwater, proving the viability of
self-propelled gliders for long-distance scientific missions and opening new
possibilities for studies of the oceans.

Spray glides up and down through the water on a pre-programmed course by
pumping one liter (about four cups) of mineral oil between two bladders, one
inside the aluminum hull and the other outside. By changing the volume of the
glider, making it denser or lighter than the surrounding water, the vehicle
floats up and sinks down while wings provide lift to drive the vehicle forward.
Batteries power buoyancy change, onboard computers and other electronics.

William Alford



************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
The personal submersibles mailing list complies with the US Federal
CAN-SPAM Act of 2003.  Your email address appears in our database
because either you, or someone you know, requested you receive messages
from our organization.

If you want to be removed from this mailing list simply click on the
link below or send a blank email message to:
	removeme-personal_submersibles@psubs.org

Removal of your email address from this mailing list occurs by an
automated process and should be complete within five minutes of receipt
of your request.

mailto:removeme-personal_submersibles@psubs.org

PSUBS.ORG
PO Box 311
Weare, NH  03281
603-529-1100
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************