Principle and System Design of a Wave Glider

The wave glider is a new autonomous surface platform with unique capabilities for persistent observation in a variety of marine environments. This article introduces its system configuration and motion mechanics,compares itself with other observation platforms,and draws out its much advantages as well as application areas. Then,a preliminary research into the system parameters is made and design basis of the width and umbilical length of the glider is given as well as the prediction of the navigation performance of the glider within different sea conditions.