Redwing Glider Embarks on Historic Circumnavigation Mission
On October 11, a small robot submarine named Redwing set out from Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts to become the first underwater glider to circumnavigate the globe. Developed by Teledyne Marine and Rutgers University New Brunswick in New Jersey, the Sentinel Mission aims to demonstrate the capabilities of these autonomous vehicles for oceanographic research.
According to Shea Quinn, a spokesperson for Teledyne Marine, Redwing will travel at an average speed of 0.75 knots (just under 1 mile per hour) as it glides with the currents rather than fighting them. "This approach allows us to conserve energy and gather more accurate data on ocean circulation patterns," Quinn explained.
Underwater gliders have been used since the 1990s, but Redwing's mission marks a significant milestone in their development. Unlike traditional submarines that rely on propellers, these vehicles use a buoyancy engine, which changes the craft's overall buoyancy by compressing or expanding a gas-filled piston. This mechanism enables the glider to slowly sink and then glide upwards, creating a sawtooth trajectory.
The Redwing glider is equipped with auxiliary propellers that can be engaged when needed, but the primary goal is to avoid using them, relying instead on the buoyancy engine to propel the vehicle through the water. Quinn noted that this approach allows for more efficient data collection and reduces the risk of mechanical failure.
Underwater gliders like Redwing have far-reaching implications for oceanographic research and our understanding of the world's oceans. By gathering detailed information on ocean currents, temperature, and salinity, scientists can better comprehend the complex interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean, which in turn affects global climate patterns.
The development of autonomous underwater vehicles like Redwing also raises questions about their potential applications beyond scientific research. As Quinn pointed out, "These vehicles could be used for monitoring marine ecosystems, tracking ocean pollution, or even supporting search and rescue operations."
Redwing's Sentinel Mission is expected to take several months to complete, with the glider transmitting data in real-time to researchers back on land. The success of this mission will pave the way for future underwater glider deployments, expanding our knowledge of the world's oceans and their impact on our planet.
Background:
Teledyne Marine has been at the forefront of underwater glider development, with Redwing being one of its most advanced models. Rutgers University New Brunswick has collaborated closely with Teledyne to design and test the glider for this historic mission.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a marine biologist at Rutgers University, emphasized the importance of underwater gliders in advancing our understanding of ocean ecosystems. "These vehicles allow us to collect data in areas that are difficult or impossible to access with traditional research vessels," she said.
As Redwing continues its journey around the world, scientists and engineers will be closely monitoring its progress, refining their designs, and exploring new applications for these innovative underwater gliders.
*Reporting by Newscientist.*
