MSEL has
currently has two EAVE-III AUVs that are used for both single-AUV and
multi-AUV research. Each EAVE is an open space frame vehicle the is capable
of precise positioning in four axes while carrying substantial payloads
(instruments, etc.). EAVE-III is a descendent of the original EAVE-EAST
vehicle (shown above), one of the first operational AUVs, which was built
while MSEL was at the University of New Hampshire.
Here's a picture of two EAVE-III's on a barge:
MSEL is also planning (subject to funding) to build a long-range, full-ocean depth, AUV (LRAUV). This vehicle will be designed for long-duration ocean science missions. The fiberglass faring for one LRAUV has already been built; it is based on hull design for the successful manned student-built submersible, SPUDS-III. A launch vehicle has also been built for the LRAUV as a result of a student project in an ocean projects course conducted at UNH.