The platform

Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle

Autonomous underwater mothership

Programme status — TRL-4

What it is

Built as a force multiplier, not only a single-mission vehicle.

Conventional extra-large vehicles are built around a single mission: reconnaissance, or payload delivery. This platform is not only a single mission vehicle, but a force multiplier for distributed operations. It navigates autonomously to a designated area and deploys mission assets according to a pre-programmed plan, extending situational awareness across a maritime zone without continuously exposing high-value manned platforms.

The development approach is deliberately prototype-first. Rather than pursuing a fully optimised system from the outset, the programme is structured to reach the field early, validate autonomy in real conditions, and iterate from operational data. Key design decisions - a flooded architecture, a conservative hydrodynamic profile, proven battery technology - reduce integration complexity and shorten the distance to deployment.

The architecture remains modular and extensible. Payload systems, energy configurations and mission profiles can be upgraded progressively, without a complete redesign.

Concept of operations

From mission preparation to autonomous execution.

Long-duration deployment, minimal human intervention, repeatable execution.

01

Configure & Deploy

Mission payloads, routes and operating parameters are prepared before launch for the required deployment profile.
02

Navigate & Execute

The XLUUV operates autonomously across extended ranges, navigating, sensing and carrying out the assigned mission.
03

Recover, Review & Re-task

Following recovery, mission data is reviewed, payloads or parameters can be updated, and the platform is prepared for subsequent operations.

Specifications

Published to the class. Detailed on request.

Public figures describe the vehicle class and role. Dimensional, depth, endurance and payload parameters are released against a named request.

Vehicle class
Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV)
Primary role
Autonomous underwater mothership
Configuration
Flooded, modular architecture
Scale
12 m class Optimised for transportability and deployment
Endurance
Multi-week Mission profile dependent
Mission control
Fully autonomous

Detailed specification

Dimensional, depth, endurance, energy and payload figures are released against a named request. 13 further parameters are available in the technical specification pack.

Request a technical briefing
The extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle running on the surface in open ocean, seen from above.

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