Design concept of Tsukuyomi — Underwater glider prototype for virtual mooring

The design concept of a prototype underwater glider “Tsukuyomi” for virtual mooring is described. It uses a buoyancy engine for propulsion as it ascends and descends between the seafloor and the ocean surface to monitor the underwater environment. Its maximum operating depth is 3,000 m. It can sleep for a fixed time on seafloor to extend the observation period. We have already conducted towing-tank tests using a half-sized model to evaluate its hydrodynamic characteristics.