Orca XLUUV: Boeing's Advanced Autonomous Submarine for US Navy.

The Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) is a autonomous submarine developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy. This platform represents a advancement in unmanned undersea capabilities, leveraging over a decade of development and experience, particularly from Boeing's Echo Voyager, a precursor to the Orca.
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The Orca Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. (Picture source: Boeing)

Design and Specifications

The Orca XLUUV is designed to perform long-duration missions with minimal human intervention. The vehicle measures approximately 85 feet (26 meters) in length with its payload module and displaces around 85 tons. Its diesel-electric propulsion system grants it a remarkable operational range of up to 6,500 nautical miles, enabling extensive undersea missions over prolonged periods.

Modular Payload Capability

A key feature of the Orca is its modular payload bay, which is about 34 feet long and can accommodate up to 8 tons of various mission-specific payloads. This modularity allows the Orca to be outfitted for a variety of roles, including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), electronic warfare (EW), and strike missions. The ability to customize payloads makes the Orca highly adaptable to evolving mission requirements.

Operational Testing and Deployment

The first Orca XLUUV, designated XLE0, was delivered to the U.S. Navy in December 2023. This prototype is undergoing extensive testing off the coast of Southern California to validate its capabilities and performance. These tests include assessments of the vehicle's controls, propulsion system, autonomous navigation, and mission execution abilities. The Navy plans to conduct 16 test periods to ensure the vehicle meets all operational requirements before deploying it in real-world scenarios.

Future Prospects

Following successful testing, the U.S. Navy is expected to receive five additional prototype Orcas, with deliveries scheduled for 2024 and 2025. The program aims to expand the Navy's unmanned undersea fleet, enhancing its ability to conduct operations in contested environments with minimal risk to human personnel. The Navy's budget plans include further procurement of Orca units, potentially ramping up production in fiscal year 2026 based on the performance and outcomes of the initial prototypes.