UK 1st Autonomous Extra-Large Submarine Herne successfully demonstrated by BAE Systems.

According to a PR published by BAE Systems on November 25, 2024, a team of engineers in Portsmouth has achieved a landmark breakthrough in underwater defense technology, successfully demonstrating the UK's first autonomous extra-large submarine. The trials, conducted off the south coast of England, showcased a revolutionary vessel named Herne, developed by BAE Systems to address critical military needs beneath the waves.
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BAE Systems unveils Herne, the UK's groundbreaking autonomous extra-large submarine, setting new standards for military underwater innovation. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Herne, classified as an Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV), represents an advancement in naval capability. Designed to operate without human crews, the submarine is engineered to enhance maritime security by protecting underwater infrastructure, supporting anti-submarine warfare, and enabling discreet surveillance missions over vast underwater expanses. This cutting-edge platform delivers unparalleled operational flexibility, capable of adapting to diverse and evolving mission requirements.

The recent trials tested Herne’s ability to execute a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission. Powered by BAE Systems’ Nautomate control system, the submarine demonstrated seamless operation in a fully autonomous mode. Nautomate, a platform-agnostic control solution, enhances military operational capabilities by allowing autonomous systems to perform tasks with greater endurance and persistence. This technology reduces reliance on human operators, freeing skilled personnel for roles where their expertise is most valuable, while also minimizing risks in challenging or hazardous environments.

Herne’s autonomy extends its operational range significantly compared to traditional crewed submarines. By eliminating the need for life support systems and resupply, the submarine can sustain patrols for extended durations, increasing its effectiveness in maintaining sub-surface vigilance. Its open-architecture design further allows for upgrades through mission-specific plug-ins, ensuring compatibility with new technologies and evolving operational needs.

The development of Herne was expedited through a collaboration between BAE Systems and the Canadian company Cellula Robotics. This partnership delivered a working prototype in just 11 months, underscoring the pace of innovation achieved by combining expertise from multiple disciplines.

The Herne XL Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) from BAE Systems stands out among XLAUVs for its advanced modular design and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, which provide extended endurance and adaptability. This design allows Herne to remain submerged for up to 45 days, covering distances of up to 5,000 km. Its payload capacity is significant, enabling integration with various mission-specific systems such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), advanced sonar arrays, and intelligence equipment. The software systems are reconfigurable and draw from years of experience in autonomous technologies, making the Herne highly versatile for operations like anti-submarine warfare (ASW), intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Comparatively, the Royal Navy's CETUS and Naval Group's demonstrator share a similar emphasis on modularity and payload flexibility. CETUS, developed for the Royal Navy, incorporates a central payload bay capable of housing diverse equipment and demonstrates adaptability in mission-specific configurations. However, its endurance is more limited, described as lasting "several days," with expandable capabilities through battery modules. The CETUS primarily functions as a technology demonstrator to explore autonomous operational trust and payload integration for future developments.