Wave Glider series
Solar-Powered Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) series
The Wave Glider is an autonomous surface vessel powered by wave energy and supplemented with solar power. Equipped with satellite communications, global positioning, and autonomous navigation, it can conduct large-scale, long-distance measurements of surface oceanographic and meteorological parameters and transmit real-time data remotely.
Related UAC Products
USV3 Wave Glider
Weight:
150 kg
Speed:
1.5–2.3 knots
Long-range, long-endurance
USV2 Wave Glider
Weight: 100 kg
Speed: 1.0–2.0 knots
Compact, short-to medium-range
Wave Glider Selection Comparison Table
Operating Principle
The Wave Glider consists of a surface float and an underwater tow vehicle connected by a 4–7 m flexible tether. The surface float moves up and down with the waves, pulling the underwater tow vehicle via the tether. The tow vehicle converts this vertical motion into forward propulsion using pendulum-style hydrofoils with fixed angular limits, thereby propelling the surface float forward.
Scientific Payloads
The Wave Glider can carry a variety of sensors, including weather stations, lidar wind profilers, atmospheric ducting sensors, wave sensors, CTDs, thermosalinographs, ADCPs, multiparameter water quality instruments, hydrophones, magnetometers, visual recognition systems, and AIS. It can perform oceanographic, meteorological, tsunami, seismic, marine life monitoring, and offshore energy surveys. Additionally, it can serve as a data relay platform using underwater acoustic modems.
Unique Features
With self-generated energy, satellite positioning, autonomous navigation, and communication capabilities, the Wave Glider can follow pre-set routes or maintain virtual anchoring at a fixed location. It can conduct long-term, large-scale autonomous missions (up to 1 year / 10,000 km) while continuously collecting and transmitting data. It can also act as a data relay between surface and underwater devices while remaining virtually anchored.
