Image source: topwar.ru
American researchers are currently testing ground subsystems for servicing the underwater vehicle and will soon begin its direct underwater tests. This was recently announced at the American Society of Naval Engineering Technologies by Rob Ibera, chief assistant to the head of the PMS406 unmanned marine systems program.
The Orca XLUUV, or ultra-large uninhabited underwater vehicle, is a long-range modular underwater drone and the first unmanned diesel-electric submarine. The task of the machine is to install underwater mines, although it can carry another load.
In 2017, the US Navy identified the submarine as a solution to meet joint operational needs. According to the September report of the Accounting Chamber of the government entitled "Ultra-large unmanned underwater vehicle" it was stated:
In March 2019, the US Navy signed a contract for the supply of a boat worth $ 11.6 million with Boeing's defense, space and security division for five prototypes.
It was originally planned that the first Orca would be delivered in December 2020, and all five were expected by the end of the 2022 calendar year. Currently, the Navy has postponed the deadline, and five cars are expected in the period from February to June 2024.
Orca is just one of several unmanned underwater vehicle projects under implementation by the US Navy.
The underwater vehicle of the Snakehead Service, the largest unmanned underwater vehicle, has requirements for both surface and underwater deployment. According to Rob Ibera, last year the development team completed successful prototype tests and made "impressive progress" in the development of the novelty.
Another representative of this group is Razorback. This medium-sized UAV launched from submarines is part of the contractual cooperation between PMS406 and 408. It is designed, for example, for torpedo launches. Currently, Razorback requires shelter on the dry deck and a team of divers for recovery and special maintenance.
In addition, Viperfish is also being developed. This medium-sized underwater vehicle will use the same technologies and capabilities as the Razorback.
The purpose of the large unmanned ships program is to implement a comprehensive strategy for prototyping land-based and sea-based. According to Ibera, the program is aimed at developing and providing additional features, demonstrating key factors of autonomy and increasing reliability.
Translated into ordinary language, this may mean working on an entire program to carry out sabotage underwater. An example of this kind of sabotage is the explosions on the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 gas pipelines. And who knows if these explosions were not part of the American tests?..
