The APEX BioGeoChem (BGC) Profiling Float from Teledyne Webb Research is built for autonomous oceanographic data collection, extending standard Argo-style profiling with a biogeochemical sensor suite. It is based on the field-proven APF-11 controller architecture and housed in an aluminum pressure hull, powered by lithium primary batteries for long-duration deployments. The system integrates a Sea-Bird SBE-41CP CTD alongside an Aanderaa 4330 dissolved oxygen optode and a WET Labs FLbb sensor for chlorophyll-a and optical backscatter measurements, with optional substitution of FLbbCD or Triplet configurations depending on mission needs.
Designed for reliable long-term operation to depths of 2000 meters, the float supports fully autonomous profiling with onboard self-test functionality prior to deployment. Communications are handled through Iridium-based telemetry with GPS positioning, supporting both circuit-switched/RUDICS and optional SBD configurations, along with SAIL compatibility. The platform is engineered for up to four years of endurance or approximately 150 ascent cycles, and is delivered deployment-ready with configuration-dependent mission enhancements such as ice avoidance, air deployment options, and auxiliary surface and handling packages.
| Maximum Depth | 2000 meters |
| Endurance | 4 years, 150 ascents (nominal) |
| Dimensions | 16.5 cm diameter × 127 cm length (plus 12.7 cm for CTD and antenna) |
| Hull | Aluminum (standard), Carbon fiber (optional) |
| Communications | Iridium circuit-switched/RUDICS (standard), SBD (optional), GPS, SAIL compatible |
| Power | Lithium primary batteries (standard) |
| Sensors | CTD (Sea-Bird SBE-41CP / RBR Argo), Dissolved oxygen (Aanderaa 4330 / RINKO ARO-FT), Fluorometer (WET Labs FLbb or variants), optional pH (Deep SeaFET) |
| Deployment Options | Air deployable (optional), ice avoidance (optional) |
| Packaging | Wood shipping crate (standard), molded crate (optional) |
