For the first time, images have emerged showing the U.S. Navy's Orca Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) equipped with its payload section. This significant development was highlighted in a LinkedIn post by the former Commodore of UUVRON-1, marking the first time the Orca has been seen with its payload insert. The new images underscore the substantial size of the Orca.
Boeing delivered the initial Orca XLUUV to the U.S. Navy in December 2023, and it is currently undergoing rigorous testing. Five additional units are slated for delivery this year.
According to H I Sutton, an OSINT and submarine expert contributing to Naval News, the insertable payload module offers versatile mission capabilities. It includes large hatches potentially designed for mine-laying missions, and configurations that could allow for the launch and recovery of smaller underwater vehicles.
Sutton estimates on his blog that the Orca measures approximately 25.9 meters in length with the payload module, compared to 15.5 meters without it.
About Orca XLUUV:
The Orca XLUUV is an Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle developed as part of the U.S. Navy’s UUV Family of Systems to meet a Joint Emergent Operational Need. The current model is about 85 feet (26 meters) long, has a displacement of around 85 tons, and utilizes a diesel-electric propulsion system providing a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
The vehicle features a modular payload bay measuring approximately 400 inches (10 meters) in length with an 8-ton capacity. This bay has defined interfaces for current and future payloads, such as the Hammerhead.
US Navy's Efforts:
The US Navy’s Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron One (UUVRON-1) is developing and documenting tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the Orca XLUUV. According to the Navy’s budget documents, facilities at Naval Base Ventura County are being updated for CONUS XLUUV testing, training, and work-ups.
The Navy is also working on establishing infrastructure to support XLUUV basing, fleet integration, and forward operational capability overseas. This includes support platforms, trailers, maintenance equipment, and ashore hardware.
Upon completing government testing in FY25, the US Navy might exercise three production options for additional vehicles in FY26, transitioning to an Acquisition Category (ACAT) Program.
