US Navy Receives First Orca Extra Large Uncrewed Vehicle After Successful Testing

Following many tests at sea, Boeing said on Wednesday that it had shipped its first-ever Orca underwater drone to the US Navy this month.

Extra-large unmanned undersea vessels (abbreviated XLUUVs), which can travel great distances and place mines without endangering sailors, are what the Navy is pursuing.

The program is a component of a larger effort to equip the fleet with new robotic platforms. Additionally, the Navy is purchasing and utilizing a range of unmanned aircraft systems and surface boats.

Orca is a new class of autonomous sub that is capable of carrying out lengthy critical missions to establish undersea maritime dominance in rapidly evolving and contested waters, per a press release from Boeing.

This is the culmination of over a decade of pioneering work, developing a fully autonomous and long-range undersea vehicle with a large payload capacity that can operate independently of a host vehicle, explained Ann Stevens, the VP of maritime and intelligence systems with Boeing.

Stevens added that they enjoyed witnessing the team bring such a first-of-its-kind capability to reality. They are proud of the innovation, unwavering commitment, and perseverance that has yielded the world’s most capable and advanced UUV. With the Navy’s collaboration, they look forward to continuing to deliver such a game-changing vehicle to the fleet.

As per a Congressional Research Service report, the Navy defines unmanned underwater vessels as those with a diameter greater than 84 inches. Boeing was contracted by the Navy in 2019 to build, test, and deliver the initial five Orcas. This is a component of an endeavour to attend to a joint emergent operational requirement, as defined by the Pentagon.

Per Navy budget documents, Orca XLUUV is a multiphased accelerated acquisition project to quickly deliver capability to the Fleet. Further, Orca XLUUV system fabrication awards are scheduled for FY2026 and beyond, with a potential increase in quantity in subsequent fiscal years contingent on the success of the initial five systems.

The payload bay of XLUUV will be modular, with specified interfaces that both present and future payloads must comply with to be used on the vehicle.

The project will incorporate the currently needed payload, and using the Core Technologies Program Element 0604029N, potential future payloads will be developed, assessed, and integrated preliminarily. The materials state that more XLUUV capabilities/technologies risk reduction will occur concurrently, utilizing the competitive industrial base.

For the endeavour, the Navy asked for $104 million in FY24 to support advanced underwater prototyping. Before the initial system was deployed this month, Orca underwent extensive sea testing, including above- and below-surface operations, per Boeing.

Reference: Defensescoop

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.