A deep towed fish is limited to about 2.5 knots. An AUV surveys at 4 knots, or about 60 percent faster than a deep tow. 

Deep tow systems require two to six hours to make a 180-degree turn. The AUV can make a line turn in just a few minutes.

The faster survey speed and the quick line turns can reduce the required survey time by about 60 percent, as compared to using a deep tow.