5. Autosub Long Range (ALR) by National Oceanography Centre
Dubbed “Boaty McBoatface,” the Autosub Long Range marks a revolution in long-term undersea missions. Operating for up to six months, this British-engineered AUV can cover 7,500 kilometres on one charge. Its low energy consumption revolutionary propulsion system makes long deployments in far-off ocean areas possible. Along with acoustic Doppler current profilers for ocean current research, the ALR’s comprehensive sensor suite consists in conductivity, temperature, and depth sensors. The innovative navigation system guarantees exact positioning even on long-term operations under ice, and the carbon fibre design of the vehicle guarantees robustness while preserving buoyancy economy.