Groundbreaking Undersea Glider Launch by Teledyne Marine and the US Navy

In a historic achievement, Teledyne Marine, in collaboration with the US navy, has successfully executed the inaugural undersea glider launch from an aircraft.

The Slocum glider, developed by Teledyne and equipped with advanced littoral Battlespace Sensing – Glider (LBS-G) mine countermeasure sensors, was deployed from a US Navy helicopter operating at low altitudes over shallow waters. Teledyne Marine played a crucial role by providing piloting and technical assistance during the operation.

This innovative Slocum glider is a long-endurance autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) designed for various persistent missions, including the collection of oceanographic data.

Serving as the cornerstone of the US Navy’s LBS-G initiative, over 210 Slocum gliders have been delivered since 2009. The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) oversees the operation of these gliders, utilizing the data gathered to enhance Navy missions. Prior to this helicopter launch,LBS gliders were primarily deployed and retrieved by T-AGS 60 class multi-mission ocean survey vessels.

“We are thrilled to contribute to yet another milestone! This marks the first launch from a helicopter and the first prosperous deployment of a glider from an aircraft. Teledyne Marine is proud to support the US Navy’s innovative efforts as they broaden the operational capabilities of underwater gliders,” stated Dr. Thomas Altshuler, Senior Vice President of Global Maritime Defense Strategy and Business Development at Teledyne Technologies.

The Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Commander now possesses the ability to rapidly deploy gliders through Task Force elements under direct tactical control, reducing reliance on strategically assigned oceanographic vessels.These gliders deliver essential environmental data that enhance the performance of acoustic and optical MCM sensors, representing a important advancement in MCM decision-making support.