US Navy’s Orca programme concludes design reviews
The US Navy’s Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) programme recently cleared a key milestone and is poised to pass another one in a few months, according to a service official.
Critical design reviews (CDRs) with the programme’s two competing vendors, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, concluded ‘in the last two weeks,’ said CAPT Pete Small, the US Navy’s program manager for unmanned maritime systems.
In early spring the navy intends to award up to two fabrication contracts to build a total of up to five vehicles.
‘I’m optimistic about the programme,’ Small said at the recently held Naval Submarine
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
