The Spray Glider is being discussed on my fishing web site. Guys over there are concerned that a boat could easily hit one of these things and sustain some serious damage. They are being used in conjunction with another drone that is self propelled with a small propeller. But the Spray really captures my attention because it has no motive drive of any kind. It uses an internal and external bladder to regulate volume which allows it to sink and rise. It then uses internal batterires to adjust its roll so as it falls or rises, the little wings allow it to travel horizontally. Here is a link to this remarkable device:

http://www.whoi.edu/instruments/view...ent.do?id=1498


I hope i don't hit one.

 

Better living through 6-1/2 foot drone subs. Is the concern for you hitting them, rather than them hitting you? I didn't read it but I would hope they must have some kind of avoidance steering in front.

 

No avoidance steering. They can only "steer" when they are on a descent or ascent and then it is all preprogrammed. the sit on the surface for 35 minutes at a time relaying data. So I could hit one at any time they are at the surface or just under it.

 

Unless you're well off of Georges bank i don't think you have to worry.

 

Jerry, that is a discussion about a prior mission. the current mission is to drop about six of these and six of the self propelled variety (which are bigger and heavier) just south of the shipping lanes, which are about 35 miles south of the Vineyard. I pretty much stay to the north of those lanes, or fish right in those lanes. So i should be ok. People that go out to the canyons need to be on the lookout.