// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Orca XLUUV
The Orca XLUUV is a very large, autonomous submarine being developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy. It is designed to operate independently for months, carrying out missions like mine-laying, surveillance, or anti-submarine warfare without a crew.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Orca XLUUV (Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle) is an autonomous, diesel-electric submarine developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy, derived from the Echo Voyager prototype. This naval weapons system is engineered for long-endurance, clandestine undersea missions, featuring a large, modular payload bay for capabilities such as mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
BACKGROUND
The Orca is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that is under development by Boeing and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) for the United States Navy.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- XLUUV
- Boeing Orca
- Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle
- Echo Voyager
- large autonomous submarine
- unmanned submarine
USAGE NOTE
The term specifically refers to the U.S. Navy's largest class of unmanned submarine, distinguished by its significant size, endurance, and modular mission payload capacity.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Orca XLUUV.
The prime contractor responsible for the design, development, and production of the Orca XLUUV for the U.S. Navy, building upon its Echo Voyager demonstrator.
A major partner in the Orca program, contributing extensive expertise in submarine and unmanned underwater vehicle construction and systems integration.
The government agency and program office that commissioned the Orca XLUUV. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) manages the acquisition and development to meet strategic undersea warfare needs.
Develops and manufactures high-density energy storage solutions, such as their Lithium-ion Fault Tolerant (LiFT) battery systems, which provide the long endurance power required for XLUUVs.
Develops core technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles, including autonomous mission management systems, sensor payloads, and vehicle control systems.
Provides a range of critical technologies for unmanned maritime systems, including advanced sensors, secure communications, and autonomous control solutions.
A defense technology company involved in the development and integration of unmanned maritime systems, including contributions to autonomy, sensor processing, and payload integration for UUVs.