Low-Power Arctic environmental sensors for UUVs

UUV"s have become increasingly important tools in the collection of environmental data. Their unique ability to operate independent of surface vessel conditions allows artic measures when traditional means is not possible. It is now well agreed that artic regions are critical to man"s understanding of the environment. Historically sensor packages for UUV"s have been based on"adaptions"of ship deployed equipment. This is particularly true in the case of Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth, (CTD) and Oxygen, (O2) sensors. This has resulted in commercial sensor packages that are"cobbled"together, with a result that they are not well fit for purpose. During Phase I the D-2 the team demonstrated a new suite of specifically designed AUV/UUV CTD & O2 sensors. These new sensors are ideally suited for deployment on a variety of AUV/UUV platforms. Additionally the technology is ideally suited for the rigors associated with high latitude AUV/UUV operations. The Phase II program will result in a UUV/AUV CTD & O2 environmental monitoring package that will enhance the Navy"s capability to perform rapid environmental assessments using its expanding fleet of AUV/UUV vehicles. The program includes the development of enhanced calibration equipment and methodologies to ensure the highest quality oceanographic data, while reducing the Cost of Ownership to the Navy.