ORCA - Oceanographic Remotely Controlled Automaton

The Mapping, Charting and Geodesy Branch of the Naval Research Laboratory at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. is conducting a multi-year program for the development of unmanned, untethered sensor systems for the collection of tactical oceanographic data in littoral regions. The primary function of this program is the development of immediate force-multiplying survey capabilities for the collection of hydrographic data to support the U.S. Naval Oceanographic O ce. This paper reviews the vessel, sensor systems, program progress to date and future plans for a comprehensive oceanographic survey system. The prototype platform currently in use for this project is the ORCA semi-submersible. The ORCA is an air-breathing vessel which travels just below the water surface. In contrast to a full-size survey ship, ORCA is able to collect bathymetric data of the same quantity and quality, but will have one-fortieth the life-cycle