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The development of autonomous underwater technologies by the American navy illustrates a significant advance in the field of underwater war. One of the flagship projects, the Ocean Explorer (OEX) initiative, aims to strengthen the capacity of the United States to carry out prolonged missions on an ocean scale without direct human intervention. With an impressive autonomy, this large robotic submarine is designed to transport modular loads on large operational distances. This program, managed by the Naval Research Office (ONR), is part of a series of initiatives to integrate autonomous systems in the United States naval strategy. This technological ambition could transform underwater military operations worldwide.
A monstrous robotic submarine
The ONR’s announcement underlines that the OEX represents a new generation autonomous platform, characterized by a persistent presence and modular flexibility. Companies interested in this project must submit complete cost estimates for the initial design phase, followed by a detailed design option and a rapid prototyping route. The emphasis is placed on the assessment of the technical feasibility of the underwater drone And on its performance with various configurable payload modules for specific missions.
Particular attention is paid to establishing a logistics infrastructure, maintenance in operational condition and support for potential deployments of OEX units squadron. Proposals must demonstrate how the vehicle can integrate into future naval operations, especially in distributed maritime environments. White pods must be delivered by July 2025, while complete proposals are expected for October 2025.
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Parallel developments in the ability of UUV
In addition to the OEX, the Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) continues the development of autonomous long endurance systems for ocean surveillance, recognition and delivery of useful charges. The modular architecture of the LDUUV allows the deployment of sensors and effectors to advanced areas without requiring traditional support ships.
Companies such as Kongsberg, Andundil and Oceanering International participate in this initiative, contributing to a new generation of unmanned underwater platforms with high endurance power systems and multi-mission capacities. In addition, the navy continues the extra large unmanned undersea vehicle (XLUUV) program led by Boeing. Known as ORCA, these Diesel-Electric Hybrid Uuvs are built around a flexible and designed payload section for stealthy maritime prohibition, mine war and intelligence, surveillance and recognition missions (ISR).
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A unique capacity
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has progressed with the MANTA Ray program, which aims to validate a new generation of ultra-endurance autonomous submarine vehicles. Northrop Grumman’s MANTA Ray prototype completed its sea tests off South California in early 2024. The vehicle has demonstrated hydrodynamic maneuverability and operational preparation After a modular assembly on the ground, a crucial step in expeditionary logistics for autonomous systems.
A second MANTA Ray model, developed by PACMAR Technologies, is continuing the tests of its energy recovery system this year, exploring more endurance solutions independent of surface support. Together, these programs represent a strategic change to autonomous submarine platforms capable of operating in a persistent and independent manner in denied or distant maritime environments.
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Where is autonomous underwater technology is heading?
The rise of autonomous underwater vehicles (UUV) marks a notable transformation in the maritime military strategy. These technological advances redefine the boundaries of the underwater war, offering extensive scope, a reduction in operational risks for inhabited assets, and an improvement in maritime operations distributed in disputed theaters such as Indo-Pacific. These systems promise to change the balance of powers under the sea.
While the US Navy’s OEX effort is progressing, it joins an increasing ecosystem of underwater drones redefining the balance of underwater powers. The question remains: how will these advances in autonomous underwater technology influence future world military doctrines?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
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