Seabed Survey

We propose to test and evaluate deep water survey, autonomy, sensors, and intervention technologies in the waters off Tinian and Saipan. The study will involve the use of multiple UUVs equipped with both acoustic and optical imaging systems. A ROV will be incorporated to test human-machine teaming at deep water. The objectives of the survey/study region are to find, locate, and dcoument multiple U.S. B-29 aircraft lost on take off from Tinian Island. The project advances multi-disciplinary, scientific methods and marine technologies for advancing seabed technical capabilities in water depths ranging from 200-600m. This proposal builds on existing oceanographic, archaeological, and historical data, most notably U.S. Navy and NOAA multibeam sonar of the seafloor surrounding Tinian and Saipan that led to the discovery of a single B-29 by the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer in 2016.