The United States fleet of oceanographic ships has grown to a significant segment of the national program in marine sciences. The growth has occurred over a 25-year span that can be divided into four distinct periods. The evolution of design and construction led to the consideration of the offshore supply vessel as a possible hull form for adaptation as a research vessel. As a result, the U. S. Navy created a new class of oceanographic research ships, the AGOR (Utility) class. The first two are presently under construction. An AGOR (U) class ship can be used very well for oceanographic work in the coastal zone. To determine the needs for a coastal zone research vessel in the mid-Atlantic area and its possible configuration, a questionnaire was sent to marine scientists and engineers throughout the area. Results from that questionnaire indicate a definite need for such a vessel. A hull form similar to an offshore supply vessel appears to best fit the needs of the anticipated users.
Technical Note: A low cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for ship based science missions