US to build combat underwater drone for ocean superiority: specifications revealed
The military wants to get drones as soon as possible to launch them from submarines to great depths.
The U.S. Navy has announced a tender for a large unmanned underwater vehicle (LDUUV) and has already sent out information on the project requirements to its main defense partners, The Defense Post reports. The military say they hope to receive a quick response to their requests, as they need such a device “as soon as possible.”
Among their main requirements for the future LDUUV device, the military indicates the possibility of simple and reliable modification with different modules to equip the future underwater drone with different modules and payloads. This will allow the LDUUV to be used in a wide range of military missions and not be limited to one.
There are also requirements for the size of the device: LDUUV must have a diameter of 1.2 meters and a length of 2.4 meters. Such dimensions are critical, as the US Navy wants to be able to launch the underwater vehicle directly from the submarines.
Of course, the military has high requirements for the autonomy of the future LDUUV. It should have a multi-day power reserve and be able to dive to ocean depths. LDUUV is planned to be equipped with all modern navigation, communication, guidance and control systems.
At the same time, in 2025, the US Navy will receive a special Barracuda UUV radio-controlled torpedo from the well-known arms manufacturer Raytheon. The army has already allocated $25.5 million for the development and production of the device. The Barracuda UUV is a very compact, semi-autonomous, disposable mine clearance system that measures 90 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter. Moreover, Raytheon developed this “smart” torpedo at the request of the Pentagon back in 2018, receiving $83.3 million for this purpose.
