Recently, the ”Petrel” II glider, developed by Tianjin University independently, passed a 1500m-deep water test in the northern part of the South China Sea, which established a series of new records for Chinese underwater slider technology including: longest range without breakdown, longest duration, most profiling motions, and largest operational depth. It breaks technology restrictions established against China.

This underwater glider utilizes the latest technology of hybrid propulsion and can work for a period of 30 days. Different to conventional AUVs, it is a 1.8m-long torpedo-shaped submersible with a diameter of 0.3 meters and weight of 70 kilograms. Due to its flexibility, it will be used to follow marine animals, say playing with whales for long periods to gather information. With a load capacity of 5 kilograms, it can distinguish itself in oceanographic observation and detection when carrying professional acoustic and bio-optical instruments.

With a focus on reliable design and quality control, the glider realizes independent innovation from a series of key technologies in related fields, strongly pushing forward the practical processes of Chinese underwater gilders. It can be operated to a maximum depth of 1500 meters across a 1000-km range, with conditions for product configuration and batch production to meet the demands of various customers.