Slocum was optimized to operate in shallow coastal waters where high maneuverability is necessary, a limited range and duration is less of an operational hindrance, and high data rates using local communication are possible. It is designed to be readily manufactured and is available commercially. A modular payload bay centered over the vehicle’s center of buoyancy is designed to facilitate sensor integration. Slocum is capable of operating in water as shallow as 5 m. Buoyancy pump gearboxes may be easily swapped according to the
maximum depth required allowing optimization of torque vs. inflection speed. Successful experiments to date have included both coastal and blue-water deployments in fleets as large as 10 vehicles.