Acoustic navigation for Arctic under-ice AUV missions

In the Spring of 1994, the dynamical and mechanical behavior of the Artic ice cover was studied from an ice camp deployed in the Beaufort Sea, 2-300 nm north of Prudoe Bay. The periodic measurement of the under-ice topography is a key component of the experiment, and the authors make use of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology to provide a cost effective alternative to the use of nuclear submarines. As a proof of concept, the AUV Odyssey was used to obtain ice-topographic data from areas located up to 10 km from the base camp. Accurate and reliable navigation is crucial to successful completion of the mission and recovery of the vehicle. The planned mission is described together with the associated requirements for vehicle technology, with particular emphasis on the development of a robust, very long baseline acoustic navigation system.<<ETX>>