Boeing Defense has delivered the first fully autonomous long-range submarine Orca (XLUUV) to the US Navy.
+ Video Shows Chinese Aircraft Carrier Fujian Nearing Completion
Boeing Defense has achieved a significant milestone by delivering the first Orca Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) submarine to the United States Navy. This event marks the successful completion of tests for this innovative submarine.
+ Click here to watch the Orca submarine video in the testing phase
Designated by the US Navy as ‘Orca,’ this XLUUV represents a new class of autonomous submarines. Its ability to undertake critical long-duration missions makes it a vital tool for achieving underwater dominance in constantly changing maritime environments and contested waters.
Ann Stevens, Vice President of Maritime and Intelligence Systems at Boeing, highlighted the significance of this technological advancement. “This is the result of over a decade of pioneering work developing a fully autonomous long-range submarine with significant payload capacity, capable of operating entirely independently,” stated Stevens.
Stevens also expressed pride in Boeing’s team, emphasizing the innovation, perseverance, and commitment that led to creating the world’s most advanced and capable Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV). She expects Boeing to continue delivering this revolutionary vessel for the fleet through collaboration with the Navy.
The Orca underwent a series of sea trials, including maneuvers above and below the surface, to demonstrate its unique capabilities. The project began in 2012 with the development of the Echo Voyager, a proof-of-concept XLUUV. Tested at sea since 2017, the Echo Voyager served as a precursor to the Orca XLUUV and played a critical role in the project’s success, accumulating over 10,000 hours of operation at sea and traversing hundreds of nautical miles autonomously.
Video and photos: Twitter @BoeingDefense
