Boeing completes Orca large UUV trials and moves to next stage
Orca XLUUV will soon begin trials with an integrated 10.4m payload. (Photo: Boeing)
Boeing has recently completed the integration of a 10.4m payload section of its Orca extra-large uncrewed undersea vehicle (XLUUV) built under a DARPA contract and is now preparing to go back out to sea for further trials with the payload section.
The integrated version is approximately 26m long and weighs over 73,000kg. The team will continue testing this version to include an at-sea demonstration for the DARPA Hunter programme.
In July last year, Boeing received an $8.51 million contract modification from DARPA for Option 3 of the Hunter Phase 2 programme taking the total cumulative face value of the contract to $36.83
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.