In a bold technological advancement, the U.S. Navy successfully launched a Slocum glider from a helicopter into the Persian Gulf on March 15. The event marked the first time a glider was deployed from an aircraft, expanding possibilities for oceanic data collection and potentially revolutionizing naval operations.
According to a Pop Sci report on Tuesday, the exercise aimed to demonstrate a proof of concept, furthering the Navy’s understanding of the waterways it patrols. The U.S. Navy has long used ocean gliders, uncrewed sensing tools that gather crucial data on sub-surface ocean conditions. But this occasion, launching one from a helicopter, signified a significant breakthrough.
Thomas Altshuler, a senior VP at Teledyne, the makers of the Slocum glider, expressed his excitement in a recent release: “We are thrilled to be part of another series of firsts! The launch from a helicopter and successful glider deployment from an aircraft marked a monumental moment for us.”
The test itself took place two months prior, but both the Navy and Teledyne only recently made the announcement. Teledyne’s official statement highlighted the company’s pride in its continued innovation and support of the U.S. Navy’s efforts to extend the operational reach of underwater gliders.
The company confirmed that the launched glider was equipped with “Littoral Battlespace Sensing – Glider (LBS-G) mine countermeasures (MCM) sensors.” These specialized sensors are designed to work near the shore, collecting essential information about the sea conditions where the Navy operates.
Teledyne also noted the broader implications of this launch for the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), which regularly utilizes their gliders for collecting oceanographic data. This new development not only allows for more rapid and widespread deployment of the gliders but also reduces the reliance on ships, thereby increasing operational efficiency. The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, overseeing more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel, will now be better equipped to quickly provide essential environmental information to Fleet and Joint Commanders, giving them a significant advantage in decision-making.
