Wave Glider Recovery Device Sea Trials

The innovative WG01 Wave Glider Recovery Device has completed a series of sea trials with the Australian Department of Defence in the West Australian Exercise Area (WAXA).

A key challenge for Wave Glider recovery in high seas or from vessels with high freeboard is the capture and lift of the Float and Glider (Sub) units in a low risk and rapid manoeuvre. Existing methods have focussed on capturing the Float unit, this results in the Sub Unit continuing to generate thrust and oppose the lifting operation. UVS have turned the problem on its head by provide a method to capture the Glider unit first, this effectively disables the Glider thrust with a relatively low retaining force and enables the lift operation to be completed by first recovering the Glider and then the Float.

Seas were calm for the trials in the WAXA and this provided the opportunity for staff to become familiar with the recovery method and plan for future recoveries in more difficult conditions. With several trials the recovery crew gained familiarity with their roles and were able to move the Wave Glider to and from the RV Whale Song more quickly with each attempt. The WG01 Wave Glider Recovery Device is an ideal option for Wave Glider users that need to conduct frequent launch and recovery of Wave Gliders, or who need to operate from large vessels with a high freeboard.