This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
BAE Systems has showcased its cutting-edge Herne Extra-Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) to the Royal Navy, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to enhance underwater defense capabilities. Designed to monitor and protect vital underwater infrastructure, the Herne XLAUV offers a versatile solution for various military operations, including anti-submarine warfare and covert surveillance missions, according to Interesting Engineering.
The Herne XLAUV, developed in collaboration with Canadian company Cellula Robotics, was demonstrated to the Royal Navy after successfully undergoing trials earlier this month. These trials involved a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission, showcasing the vehicle’s operational capabilities. Notably, the Herne XLAUV integrates BAE Systems’ Nautomate control system, an advanced autonomous platform that allows for seamless integration between surface and sub-surface vehicles.
What sets the Herne XLAUV apart is its ability to operate autonomously for extended periods without the need for resupply or life support systems, offering superior endurance compared to crewed alternatives. This extended operational range is crucial for military operations where traditional manned vessels may be limited by resupply constraints. Additionally, the vehicle’s open architecture allows for easy upgrades, ensuring it remains adaptable as new technologies emerge.
Designed with military standards in mind, the Herne XLAUV boasts a low signature, enhancing its stealth capabilities for sensitive missions. It also supports secure data communications to maintain contact with command centers, ensuring reliable coordination during operations. The craft’s modular design provides flexibility, offering a large payload space for mission-specific equipment and enabling easy maintenance access.
According to Force News, the Herne XLAUV is compact enough to fit into a standard 12-meter shipping container, making it easy to deploy via ships, submarines, or harbor-based launch systems. As BAE Systems emphasizes, the XLAUV not only reduces the reliance on crewed platforms but also enhances mission endurance, keeping personnel out of harm’s way.
“Herne is a game changer in the underwater battlespace,” said Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services. “It will give our customers a cost-effective autonomous capability that will allow for a wide range of missions.”
