Development and testing of an A-sized rapidly deployable navigation and communication GATEWAY buoy

A rapidly deployable intelligent GATEWAY buoy system, capable of both air and sea deployment, has been developed to aid in the navigation and communication of AUVs. The device is based around the A-sized standard and is able to be deployed from aircraft, helicopters, ships and submarines using pressure and gravity launch tubes, as well as charge-activated devices (CAD). The system consists of Florida Atlantic University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute acoustic modems, both capable of providing LBL positioning, GPS WAAS, and RF communications. It utilizes a combined parachute and anchor, low drag inflatable buoy, and an intelligent scope adjusting mooring line spool. The design is based around a fire-and-forget methodology where the system is turned on and launched; no initial knowledge of the operating environment is needed. The interoperable acoustic communication system can be operated at ranges up to 3000 meters and achieve a true data rate of up to 860 bits-per-second using reliable spread-spectrum frequency modulation. The LBL positioning system operates sequentially and does not preclude acoustic communications. Switching between protocols (FAU or WHOI) is achieved through an automated process or requested through RF. The overall mechanical system is modular and compact. It is capable of operating in depths between 5 and 200 m, in sea states up to 3, and in currents up to 1.5 m/s. The mooring itself is versatile and able to hold the system stationary in bottom types ranging from mud and sand to broken rock and reef