Exclusive: US Navy to Increase Unmanned Submarine Combat Capabilities with Boeing Orca XLE-1 XLUUV.

On December 6, 2024, U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti toured Boeing’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for the Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), underscoring the US Navy’s commitment to advancing its undersea warfare capabilities. The Orca XLUUV represents a transformative leap in unmanned technology, offering unprecedented endurance, payload capacity, and mission flexibility, making it central to the Navy’s hybrid fleet strategy.
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U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti visits Boeing’s Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) manufacturing facility on December 6, meeting with Boeing contractors and Sailors from Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron (UUVRON) 3, and emphasizing the critical role of robotic multi-mission submersibles in the future fleet. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

U.S. Navy Adm. Franchetti met with Boeing engineers and Sailors from Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron (UUVRON) 3 during her visit, commending the program's progress and emphasizing the importance of integrating unmanned systems into fleet operations. She highlighted the Orca XLUUV’s potential to extend the Navy’s operational reach, enhance mission success, and reduce risks in contested maritime environments.

The Orca XLUUV, designated XLE1, has achieved a major milestone with the completion of its construction. The vehicle is currently undergoing contractor-led pierside and at-sea testing at Marina Shipyard, with delivery to the US Navy expected in early 2025. Following delivery, the Navy will conduct Developmental and Operational Testing (DT/OT) through the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 to validate the system’s capabilities and ensure operational readiness. After testing, UUVRON 3 will certify its crew, paving the way for XLE1’s first deployment.

The XLUUV, or “Orca,” is a first-of-its-kind autonomous submarine designed to meet the Navy’s evolving needs in undersea warfare. With an extreme endurance capability of 6,500 nautical miles, the vehicle can conduct months-long missions with minimal human intervention. This range, combined with its ability to perform seabed operations, navigate complex underwater terrain, and transit open oceans, makes the Orca an unparalleled asset in contested and remote areas.

The Orca’s modular design includes a 34-foot payload bay capable of accommodating up to 8 tons of capacity. This equates to nine medium-sized UUVs (21-inch diameter) or 48 small-diameter UUVs (12.75-inch diameter). Its payload bay offers extensive flexibility, enabling the integration of a wide variety of mission-specific systems, including advanced sensors, communication relays, and specialized munitions. The vehicle can operate with or without the payload section, adapting to diverse operational scenarios.

Powered by a hybrid combination of advanced batteries and marine diesel generators, the Orca XLUUV delivers exceptional energy efficiency and autonomy. Its navigation system features a proven Kalman-filtered Inertial Navigation Unit supported by Doppler Velocity Logs and depth sensors, ensuring precise and reliable operations even in complex environments.

Boeing, a leader in unmanned and deep-sea systems since the 1960s, leveraged its extensive expertise to develop the Orca XLUUV. Building on its legacy platforms, including Echo Voyager, Echo Seeker, and Echo Ranger, Boeing has created a system that redefines undersea and seabed warfare.

The Orca XLUUV addresses critical challenges for the Navy by providing unparalleled endurance and range, enabling it to conduct extended operations in contested and remote areas without requiring a host ship or frequent maintenance. Its modular design offers exceptional operational flexibility, supporting diverse missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and payload delivery. Acting as a force multiplier, the Orca complements or replaces traditional crewed platforms, allowing simultaneous operations across multiple theaters and significantly enhancing the Navy’s operational reach and resilience.

U.S. Navy Adm. Franchetti emphasized the Orca XLUUV’s pivotal role in shaping the Navy’s future. “The Orca is not just a technological marvel; it’s a strategic asset that redefines undersea warfare. With its unparalleled capabilities, it will enable the US Navy to maintain maritime dominance in the face of evolving threats,” she stated.

As the XLE1 vehicle nears deployment and the XLE0 test asset continues to support developmental efforts, the Orca program exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to innovation and adaptability. Additional Orca vehicles are expected to follow, further strengthening the Navy’s undersea capabilities and readiness to confront the complexities of modern warfare.

The Orca XLUUV program is a transformative step forward in the Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, seamlessly integrating manned and unmanned systems to meet the operational demands of the 21st century. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking platform and its integration into US Navy operations.