January 16, 2008

My name is Paul. I'm in Mr. Gavrilovic's 7th grade science class at Bannockburn School near Chicago. I would like to ask how much do Puma and Jaguar cost?

Thank you and have a safe trip home.

Dear Paul:

Puma and Jaguar each cost approximately $500,000. This may sound a lot, but it is quite inexpensive compared to a lot of vehicles that go underwater.

Thanks for following the cruise!

Susan Humphris

Dear Scientists,

My name is Bryan. I'm in Mr. Gavrilovic's 7th grade science class at Bannockburn School near Chicago. I would like to ask you a question. What would happen if Puma or Jaguar got lost and you couldn't find them?

Thank you very much and have a great rest of your trip!

Dear Bryan:

We have many back-up systems to try to make sure that, whatever the problem, the AUV can get home. For example, if the vehicle runs out of battery power, it will float to the surface so we can home in on it. However, if, for example, it got stuck under a ledge or in a cave at the bottom of the ocean and couldn’t free itself, then we would lose the vehicle.

The only way to rescue an AUV would be with another underwater vehicle, such as a human-occupied submersible or a remotely operated vehicle that had manipulators and so would be able to get a hook or a rope on the AUV. But, normally, we are operating in remote places, so that is unlikely to happen.

Thanks for the question!

Susan Humphris

My name is Andrew. I'm in Mr. Gavrilovic's 7th grade science class at Bannockburn School near Chicago. I would like to ask: when either the Puma or Jaguar resurfaces, how is it brought back onto the ship? Is it hauled up in a fishing net or is there some compartment in the bottom of where the AUVs float in and the water is drained?

Thanks,
Andrew G.

Hi Andrew:

That is a very interesting question! When the AUV surfaces, the mate on watch drives the Knorr alongside and then the bosun uses a special hook to attach a line on the AUV from the A-frame on the stern (back) of the ship to the vehicle. The AUV is then hauled aboard with the A-frame. It sounds easy, but it requires expert maneuvering of the ship!

Thanks for the question.

Susan Humphris

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