Robotic gliders are increasingly being used by oceanographers to investigate large-scale ocean properties. They have a novel buoyancy-driven propulsion system and have very low battery requirements so can remain at sea for months and cover great distances. In 2013, I constructed a glass-fibre model of a Seaglider for use in outreach and exhibitions, using funding from the FASTNEt project.
Polished wooden plug used to create the glass-fibre mould. The plug was turned by the brilliant Scott Yeomans, based in Dunoon.
Polished wooden plug used to create the glass-fibre mould. The plug was turned by the brilliant Scott Yeomans, based in Dunoon.
Sanded female mould for hull
Sanded female mould for hull
The nose and tail cones
Nose and tail cones joined and sanded
The CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) sensor constructed from assorted pieces of plastic tubing, prior to painting.
Early wing and tail assembly after sanding but prior to painting
The finished seaglider model
The finished seaglider model
The finished seaglider model
The finished seaglider model
The finished seaglider model – detail showing tail section and CTD sensor
The finished seaglider model – Detail showing CTD sensor
Sam Jones 
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