US Navy’s new Orca XLUUV offers options
The Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), which the US Navy recently began buying, is a ‘tremendous capability’ that will be able to travel long distances to perform a host of ‘dull and dangerous’ missions, according to an analyst and former naval officer.
The autonomous vessel could be used to deploy sensors, lay mines, or provide fuel or battery power to other UUVs, all without putting sailors in harm’s way, said Bryan McGrath, deputy director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for American Seapower in Washington, DC. It will cost a fraction of the navy’s multi-billion-dollar manned submarines, potentially allowing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
