Operations

Through its Operations Group, AUVAC operates, manages, and maintains operational autonomous undersea systems that support:

  • scientific research programs
  • applied development and application activities in support of the national ocean community
  • requests from sponsor organizations for specific applications

The Operations Group provides a range of services for the user community. Through a variety of arrangements with member organizations that have capabilities to meet the needs of diverse user programs, the Center provide services required to meet the program goals of diverse users. The type of service the Center can provide is limited only by the capabilities that exist within the member organizations. This provides users with a single organization capable of providing a wide range of services.

Maintenance and Operation of Interoperable AUV Systems

In order to perform the maintenance and operation of AUV systems, AUVAC has established MOUs/MOAs with organizations that have the capability to physically maintain, overhaul, and upgrade the various vehicles and the related systems. These organizations have the ability to modify and/or construct AUV systems or subsystems. An in-house capability within AUVAC provides operations of the initial AUV systems and provides a level of maintenance and engineering necessary for reliable vehicle operations.

Life Cycle Management and Engineering Services

AUVAC, thru its associates can perform Life Cycle Management and Engineering Services if requested by the users. Life Cycle Management and Engineering Services involves the coordination of the following functions for the life of the vehicle(s):

  • Financial Management - Budget inputs/recommendations and recommendation for the management of program finances
  • Material turn-in technical support - Spares & Manage Material Inventory
  • Platform interface and integration - Coordinate the resolution of platform interface and integration issues
  • Safety - Review personnel and vehicle safety issues and recommend solutions
  • Configuration Control - Ensure standardization among multiple platforms
  • Technical documentation - Maintain system technical documentation
  • AUV Maintenance Facility - Provide Technical Assistance for maintenance activity
  • Performance measurement and assessment - Monitor system performance, maintain reliability and availability metrics and recommend solutions to resolve issues
  • External Support/Engineering Services - Coordination of planning and tasking Life Cycle maintenance efforts performed by other activities

Training New Operators

As new technology grows and is accepted by a user community, it is important that there are organized resources and activities to train individuals in the use and maintenance of that technology. AUVAC presents a unique opportunity to provide that training in that it has operational systems as well as close affiliations with the academic community. AUVAC will develop, in concert with its research and operations programs, activities and information sharing that will support the Center's interests in both university-based education as well as programs that support K-12 and related educational experiences.