I’m in the early stages of developing a configurable glider and I’m looking for your insights and feedback. I’m really interested to learn more about where you think a low cost glider could be useful, and what problems it could help solve.
I’m also actively seeking out people in the marine industry to chat about the work they’re doing, the tools they use, to better understand their challenges. These conversations are a big help with planning the next revision of the prototype. If you’d like to chat please send me an email.
Im not from the maritime industry, but I began my DIY AUV jurney with thoughts about building a glider. Mainly because its such an interesting concept to be able to go so far and deep with so little energy.
Can you share some more info on the technical aspects and subsystems you use, and the depths and ranges you expect out of it? Just me being super curious
Hey Gunnar, I had a look at your AUV, it’s quite impressive!
Inside there is a depth sensor, ping sonar, ELRS receiver for the thruster and rudder. on the surface it’s controlled remotely like a boat, then by flipping a switch on the controller the internal Pi takes over and it starts it’s dives with the bouncy engine.
For the next revision we’re planning to incorporate a blended wing design to maximize range, and some longer range comms for real time data. I’m open to other suggestions as well.
Have you considered repurposing a high aspect hydrofoil? There is a huge variety of incredibly efficient foils available from recreational manufacturers. For example:
These things make an incredible amount of lift at low speed with a minuscule amount of drag. They are carbon fiber (light and indestructible). Could be a really good fit for your application…
