Comprised of three subsystems:

  1. Hydraulics: control buoyancy adjustment via an inflatable external bladder, so the float can surface and dive.
  2. Microprocessors: deal with function control and scheduling.
  3. Data transmission system: controls communication with satellite.

Approx. Weight: 25 Kg
Max. operating depth: 2000m
Crush depth: 2600m

 

The three float models in use are the PROVOR built by MARTEC in France in close collaboration with IFREMER, the APEX float produced by Webb Research Corporation, USA and the SOLO float designed and built by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA.