Good Article on Seagliders

While not exactly a new technology, the US Navy has been expanding its conceptional use of seagliders for several years now. The first time I heard of them was when it was suggested that a SSGN would deploy many seagliders to expand its underwater sensor network.

If you have never heard of a seaglider before or don't fully understand their role on submarines, this article will help. While the article doesn't just come out and say it, the model discussed can do about 2 knots for 7 months.

One thing that rarely gets highlighted enough. These type of underwater tools are not small, they consume limited space on a submarine. In many ways only those countries deploying nuclear submarines can leverage this technology because most SSKs don't have the means to deploy gliders, or the space to carry them forward when on deployment.