The picture (shared on LinkedIn by the former Commodore of UUVRON-1) is significant because, to Naval News’ knowledge, all Orca photos so far were showing the XLUUV without its payload insert. We can now see how huge Orca really is.
Boeing has delivered the first Orca XLUUV to the U.S. Navy in December 2023. The uncrewed submarine is now going through an extensive testing program. Five more are set to be delivered this year.
According to OSINT and submarines expert H I Sutton, a regular contributor to Naval News:
“The advantages of the insertable payload module is that there can be various types tailored to different missions”
“The payload module has large hatches in the top, and possibly the bottom, which would be consistent with mine laying missions. Other configurations previously suggested include doors on the sides to launch and recover smaller underwater vehicles,” Sutton added.
Sutton estimates on his blog that Orca features a length of about 25.9 meters with the payload module in place (compared to 15.5 without the module).
About Orca XLUUV
The Orca is an Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) developed as part of the U.S. Navy’s UUV Family of Systems (FoS) to address a Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON). The current vehicle measures about 85 feet (26 meters) in length, has a displacement of about 85 tons and uses a diesel electric propulsion system that gives it a 6,000 nautical miles range.
The UUV features a modular payload bay that is about 400 inches (10 meters) in length and has a capacity of 8 tons. This payload bay has defined interfaces that future and current payloads, such as the Hammerhead, will adhere to.
The US Navy’s Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron One (UUVRON-1) is currently working on developing and documenting tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the Orca XLUUV.
According to the US Navy’s budget documents, the service is updating facilities at the Naval Base Ventura County site for CONUS XLUUV testing, training, and work-ups.
The document also states that the Navy is working through the process of establishing and developing infrastructure that will support XLUUV OCONUS basing, fleet integration and in-theater forward operational capability, including support platforms, trailers, maintenance equipment, and ashore hardware.
Following the completion of Government testing in FY25, the US Navy might exercise three production options for more vehicles in FY26. The production options would coincide with the transition to an Acquisition Category (ACAT) Program.