Autosub5: Preparing for Science

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are proving to be a key component in the global observing system, with their ability to provide unique data sets particularly at abyssal depths or under ice. Autosub5 is the latest in a line of large work class AUVs developed by the National Oceanography Centre specifically tailored for oceanographic science applications. This paper describes the work currently being undertaken to transition the vehicle from an engineering prototype through to a science ready platform. The 18 months process saw the AUV assembled in early 2021 and then undertake a series of trials and incremental payload integrations through to a science rehearsal trial planned for summer 2022.