The potential and capabilities of autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicles Orca XLUUV

At the end of April, the first experimental autonomous underwater vehicle Orca XLUUV developed by Boeing and Huntington Ingalls Industries was launched in the United States. This year, four more products will be completed, with the help of which they will conduct full-scale and comprehensive tests. During these activities, the prototypes must confirm the design characteristics and demonstrate the ability to solve a wide range of tasks using weapons and special equipment.

From blueprint to water

The development of the future AUV Orca ("Orca") has been commissioned by the US Navy since 2017 as part of the XLUUV (Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vahicle) program. At the beginning of 2019, the project of Boeing and Huntington Ingalls Industries became the winner of the competitive stage of the program. They received contracts to continue development ($43 million) and to build five prototypes ($274 million)

In the recent past, the project was successfully completed, after which the construction of the ordered equipment began. Part of the structures of the experimental Orca XLUUV is manufactured by HII in Huntington Beach, after which it is delivered to the neighboring Boeing plant for further assembly and installation of equipment. On April 28, the first of the ordered samples was launched, and the rest will be made before the end of the year.

The prototypes will reportedly go through sea trials first to test and fine-tune key systems. In the future, after the formation of the entire "squadron", tests will begin with the use of one or another target equipment and weapons. It is reported that at first the device will master the installation of sea mines. Then it is planned to determine the capabilities of the Orca in solving other problems, as well as to form the optimal tactics for their use.

After completion of such tests and studies, Orca XLUUV can go into series. In the distant future, the US Navy plans to create a large fleet of AUVs capable of solving certain tasks in different areas of the oceans. How soon he will appear, and what he will be able to do, depends on the results of the recently begun work.

Perspective appearance

Orca XLUUV is a small diesel-electric submarine with autonomous control systems. The AUV is built in a streamlined hull of high elongation with a rounded nose. In the stern, planes with rudders and a jet propulsion are provided. Product length - 26 m with a diameter of approx. 3 m. Displacement - 80 tons.

It is reported that Orca is equipped with a diesel-electric power plant with full electric propulsion. When surfaced or under the snorkel, the AUV will generate power and recharge batteries for scuba diving. The maximum travel speed will reach 6-8 knots with an economic approx. 3 knots. Autonomy is defined as several months; on one refueling and with repeated recharging of batteries, the cruising range will reach 6500 nautical miles.

A key component of the XLUUV program is a new autonomous control system with a set of necessary sensors and tools. First of all, she is responsible for driving the device along a given route, taking into account emerging situations and factors. In addition, the control system will interact with the operator and other AUVs. By installing the necessary software modules, the application of the target load will be ensured.

The ceremony of christening and launching the first experimental AUV Orca, April 28, 2022

For special equipment, the Orca has a compartment 10 m long; carrying capacity - 8 tons. The AUV will be able to carry hydroacoustic stations of various types, a variety of radio equipment, including radar and electronic warfare systems, or other devices. The possibility of deploying weapons is also being considered. It was recently announced that the Orca XLUUV will be able to carry and drop naval mines of suitable dimensions. It is possible to integrate torpedoes of modern or advanced types.

Platform Advantages

The goal of the Orca XLUUV project is to create a multi-purpose autonomous underwater complex. Its potential largely depends on the characteristics and capabilities of the base platform, which is the new AUV. Indeed, the declared parameters and functions attract attention and allow us to talk about the presence of certain advantages.

The uninhabited design of the underwater vehicle is of great importance - and it is for this reason that the AUV direction receives the necessary attention and develops. The absence of a crew makes it possible to reduce the dimensions and weight of the structure, make optimal use of internal volumes, and also maximize autonomy.

An important technical achievement will be an autonomous control system with all the necessary functions and the possibility of their expansion. Such a system will be tested, and then it will find practical application on the Orca. Then the developments from this project can be used to create future AUVs.

The diesel-electric power plant is built according to a well-mastered scheme. At the same time, it should provide high autonomy and cruising range - although at the cost of reducing the maximum speed. The AUV has full electric propulsion, which should minimize noise and make it difficult to detect underwater.

Load Capabilities

The heavy Orca is capable of carrying a variety of payloads, incl. large and heavy - up to 8 tons in the 10th compartment. This is already an important advantage over other modern AUVs. In this case, the special equipment will be made interchangeable, and the installation of a new module should not be difficult.

First of all, Orcas will become carriers of hydroacoustic equipment. It will allow the devices to search for various underwater targets, from enemy submarines to sea mines. Patrolling will be carried out by single AUVs or groups. In all cases, a longer sailing time will increase the efficiency of the operation - by covering a larger area and exchanging data.

Experimental product in water. Visible niche for the payload

Orca XLUUV can also carry radio equipment - locators or jamming stations. With the help of AUV groups with radar, it is possible to monitor large areas of the open sea. The devices will be able to stay at the given positions or move along the required route. If necessary, they will be able to go under water to avoid detection or defeat. EW stations will be used in the same way.

AUVs with installed sonar or radar equipment can theoretically replace a wide range of other means fleet. He can take on the tasks of submarines, patrol aircraft, etc. At the same time, in some cases, high autonomy will become a fundamental advantage.

The idea of ​​using mine-torpedo weapons has great potential. Having received a GAS and a torpedo, the Orca will be able to search for and hit underwater or surface targets. Large groupings of such armed AUVs can become an effective means of submarine warfare. In addition, the device will be able to secretly set or neutralize mines. Characteristics and capabilities in this case directly depend on the type of weapons used.

Project of high complexity

In general, the promising uninhabited underwater vehicle Orca XLUUV is of great interest in terms of technology, operation and application. It is clear why this project received the support of the US Navy and has already been brought to the testing stage. In addition, it is clear that everything possible will be done for its further development, up to the adoption of equipment for service.

However, Boeing, HII and various structures from the Navy are facing very difficult tasks. The high potential of Kasatka is based on various new solutions and technologies, most of which need to be developed and fine-tuned. All of them will be checked and worked out during the next tests, single and group.

At the next stage, with the help of several Orca XLUUVs, they will work out tactics for the group use of such equipment. The fleet and contractors will have to find the best methods of work, as well as identify and correct possible problems in the interaction of several AUVs and the operator. The high complexity of this part of the project results in corresponding technical risks.

The price of progress

Thus, the Orca XLUUV autonomous underwater vehicle project is successfully moving forward and has already reached the stage of sea trials. In the near future, several new prototypes are expected to appear and the next, more complex test phase will begin. It will show the real prospects of the project, as well as determine the place of new equipment in the fleet.

How long this work will last and how it will end is not yet known. However, it can be assumed that the Navy and their contractors will do everything possible to successfully complete the Orca project. The XLUUV program promises the US Navy the most significant benefits and benefits - and they will fully justify all the efforts invested.

Comments

[antivirus]

If 5-10 of these can drag our Poseidons into the hollows, away from the United States, a dangerous weight.
And so - let them have fun. This is against shipping in the south and east seas

[KCA]

It's funny, the maximum speed is 8 knots, which indicates a weak power supply, and a Poseidon with a YaSU and often called a speed of 110 knots, how much Orca can compete with Poseidon without surfacing? Well, let it be a week, and Poseidon is 5-7 years old

[Galleon]

Such speeds provide stealth mode. Do you think our submarines move faster? Not at all. The autonomy of this pepelats will be impressive, because he does not need provisioning and oxygen. Well, it is not necessary to report to the piece of iron every day, popping up for a communication session. And he has nowhere to hurry. With such units, it is possible to gouge the fleet of any state directly in the bases when their use has been worked out. So bad news. Especially with our anti-submarine and anti-mine forces.
Minus, pink eyeglasses.

[KCA]

I wrote about speed to compare the power of diesel Orca and Pose

[Galleon]

I realized that for comparison. But here the power on the shaft is not needed. Poseidon is conceived as a smart super-torpedo, and this one is like a submarine robot.

[Adrey]

Quote: Galleon

Poseidon is conceived as a smart super-torpedo,

It looks kinda dubious:
1. In their right mind, no one, I think, will allow a robot to control the operating modes of a nuclear reactor (and a controlled reactor will probably not fit into the declared dimensions of Poseidon). Therefore: start, reaching the maximum mode, one way to the goal.
2. Management along the route, depending on the situation, is unlikely. The means of detection and communication at maximum speed (see paragraph 1) are apparently simply not applicable. Maybe, of course, they will correct me that we have GAS confidently operating at a speed of 100 knots. Therefore, the path along a pre-planned and developed trajectory, given the depth (for maximum survival) of 1 km, lying outside the zone of changeable tidal currents. That is, a conventional, inertial guidance system.
3. Taking into account the declared power of the charge, the deviation of the KVO of 50-100 km is not critical for this device (which fits well into paragraph 2).
As a result, we come to a super-torpedo robot with "brains" at the V-1 level
As you can understand from the concept of "Killer Whales" - this is a completely different thing

[Vladimir Postnikov]

Exactly what I wrote here seven years ago. This is not so much guesswork as an analysis of the surge of interest in the central press in underwater drones after the publication here of my article "Polar Route Promo Project". Comparison of that information with the design and the presence of the carrier made it possible to draw such a conclusion. And then ... and then there was soup with a cat. In general, Poseidon is no longer a torpedo, but the State Information System in the field of combating corruption "Poseidon". It is possible that it was the work on the cash flow for this torpedo that led someone to the idea that such a Poseidon is more in demand. Alas!

[TreeSmall]

Yasu and often called a speed of 110 knots

At 110 knots, it will be noisy, so it will be heard on the Moon.
And everyone will know where he is and where he is going.
Orion is still faster
5-7 years, not a single reactor operates without maintenance

[KCA]

Yesterday, the captain of the "Arktika" said that the loading of fuel once every 7 years, for nuclear submarines for a longer period, 10 +/- years, it is planned to increase the operating time on one load to the full service life of up to 30 years, an average manned nuclear submarine during a campaign is 2 -3 months, of course, when they carry out regulations at the base, including the reactor, but how much in an emergency you can do without maintenance is not indicated anywhere, for the uninhabited, of course, they tried to make the autonomous mode without maintenance as much as possible, and how much is years, no one will say

[TreeSmall]

GE PWR S8G (Ohio) 1/2 life fuel reload.
USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826): Operation of the reactor without refueling during its entire service life.
BUT!
This does not mean no maintenance!
- there is always someone watching and looking at the apple
- after a trip to that, the service life is longer than in a campaign - that's why their KOH is ~ 0,5.
And we have a total of less and much less.
---
- On the "Poseidon" there can not be an energy classic reactor, as on the "Arktika" (core steam, turbine, generator).
There is no space, there is no mass reserve.
—if there is, then something else small, compact, like RTGA.
This does not require maintenance. Voyager, rovers
And if so, then to a subcritical assembly: two / three / N parts that are not connected do not give energy, they almost do not emit light. Maintenance is not required.
-
However, I could be wrong
There is a “batman of the night” Boa Kaa: he uses “nuclear physics,” especially for a good snack. Maybe he is aware

[Pan_hrabio]

RTGs have very little power compared to conventional reactors - it's more like a kind of battery, and Poseidon seems to be rushing at high speeds.

[TreeSmall]

I wrote "I don't know"
Classical: reactor, coolant circuit, steam circuit, generator, El-in, screw = cannot be. The mass of 90 tons of this plush + 110 knots on the propeller cannot be reached.
I brought the RTG as a source of heat. Of course, there will be no direct heat->electric converter with low efficiency.
Those from the word RITEG, remove the TEG (thermoelectric generator)
I can guess☝️ I can only guess: the high-temperature core from which filament of polonium -210 with its 400-500W / g
And a groove (single-circuit or 2-circuit, if someone cares about the environment).
Those classic ramjet (or PUVRD), where "B" is not air, but Water.
And you don't have to serve.
But not just 210Po
It also has a half-life of 138 days.
Something more cunning ... it’s not worth arguing further: it’s a state secret, otherwise you can repeat the fate of the hero from the film “Three Days of the Condor”

[Vladimir Postnikov]

"Never read the papers." This I mean that it is possible to extract information from the media, but you have to be in the subject. But you should never rely on information in the media in your analysis. As a rule, it is false. Poseidon was originally planned as a torpedo, because he is not capable of creating even a tiny tsunami in principle. It was clear from the beginning. If you accidentally stumbled upon this topic, and did not follow it biasedly, then your arguments, even if they are justified, are worthless just because you are analyzing something that does not exist.

[TreeSmall]

I don't watch TV either.
But you can think, analyze, express your opinion, right? Do you allow?
As if Article 29 (like) of the Constitution of the Russian Federation + common sense (being)

[Vladimir Postnikov]

Quote from TreeSmall

I don't watch TV either.
But you can think, analyze, express your opinion, right? Do you allow?
As if Article 29 (like) of the Constitution of the Russian Federation + common sense (being)

Yes, as much as you want. It was a joke, hence the quote. Don't be offended. And how can I forbid anyone to look for a black cat in a dark room, even knowing for sure that it is not there. )))

[kot423]

The high potential of Kasatka is based on various new solutions and technologies, most of which need to be developed and fine-tuned. All of them will be checked and worked out during the next tests, single and group.

In general, another prodigy like a penguin. The main thing is to promote better, and then "and so it will do" ©

[Pulkovo1942]

It will allow the devices to search for various underwater targets, from enemy submarines to sea mines.

Thus, they want to get a map of the location of our and Chinese submarines in real time. Thanks for the article, I read it with great pleasure.

[Andrey NM]

I wonder if the BS-64 or Belgorod will be able to hook this thing for themselves? The second point - how does a diesel charge work? It’s also necessary to pull the snorkel to a decent height so that the wave does not overwhelm, even if there is a valve there. Well, in the north, using such a contraption is problematic, you can’t send it under the ice.

[AUL]

It’s also necessary to pull the snorkel to a decent height so that the wave does not overwhelm, even if there is a valve there. Well, in the north, using such a contraption is problematic, you can’t send it under the ice.

And it’s inconvenient to ride a Ferrari for fishing and to the country house - the trunk is too small! But the car, in general, is not bad.

[Al manah]

"By yourself?" Do you hope that they will forget to install a self-destruction system there?

[Andrey NM]

Do you hope that they will forget to install a self-destruction system there?

This can only be checked by winding something around the screws. In fact, there are many interesting questions. How is stealth ensured during the operation of a diesel engine for charging AB? Even if it is small, it still makes decent noise and exhaust. Moreover, at this time, there is probably an exchange of data and control signals. And as for the interception of the Poseidons - how will they intercept them if the Poseidons at the turn go at a speed of under 100 knots at a depth of up to 1 km? We'll have to cover the coast with continuous minefields and nets. And if we take into account that our strategic submarines often go under the ice, then these areas are not available for underwater vehicles that require recharging with a diesel generator upon ascent.

[Trunk]

Poseidons waiting areas will be tracked. To deliver a preemptive strike on them during H. Without a nuclear plant, it would take a very large number to create a network.