Underwater gliders are part of a bigger family which are autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). Underwater gliders are designed to glide through the ocean by changing their buoyancy with wings and tail (see Definition).

This concept has been first presented by Henry Strommel in 1989 who published an science fiction article in Oceanography (see History). His vision has been developed since the last six years and three models of underwater gliders have been created. The technology is still undergoing but these three models are today operational.

The site will present shortly the three models and their different properties, making each of them suitable for different types of operations.

SLOCUM from the Webb Research Coorporation

SPRAY from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography

SEAGLIDER from the University of Washington