Autosub Long Range 6000: A Multiple-Month Endurance AUV for Deep-Ocean Monitoring and Survey

Abstract

Autosub Long Range 6000 is a 6000-m-rated autonomous underwater vehicle capable of 2- to 3-month-long deployments covering a range of up to 1800 km. This high endurance is achieved through a combination of the use of high energy-density lithium primary cells and energy optimization for all subsystems. This article uses theory and initial trial results to quantify the power consumption of the system and make predictions for ultimate range and endurance. An overview of early science deployments is also presented.