BAE Systems’ Herne XLAUV set to hunt for underwater intelligence
A Herne model, alongside other BAE offerings including Archerfish, at Euronaval. (Photo: author)
BAE Systems’ new Herne XLAUV (Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) is scheduled to begin in-water demonstrations on 22 November 2024.
The XLAUV, which has only been in development since 2023, has been designed to extend the underwater data-gathering potential of navies, using autonomy and a modular effector capability to improve their situational awareness.
Shephard recently spoke to BAE Systems business development manager Tim O’Neill at Euronaval in Paris about what the company hoped Herne would deliver.
“Most navies have torpedoes, but firing a torpedo against an underwater vehicle takes you into the territory of using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut,” he said.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
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.
-
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.