All about “Orca”, the US Navy’s new underwater drone
The most interesting feature of the Orca is the modular configuration. In fact, with a total length of up to 26 metres, a 10 meter long "bay" with a load capacity of 8 tonnes will be inserted in the central section of this platform; the latter can thus be reconfigured to carry out different missions.
If talking about a historical moment may seem excessive, there is no doubt that the passage in question is nevertheless important. In fact, in recent days, Boeing announced the delivery of the first example of the XLUUV (eXtra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle) to the US Navy. Designated Orca by the US Navy itself, this particular large underwater drone represents a significant stage in this new phase; that is, the one in which all the major navies look with growing attention on the one hand to everything that happens under the surface of the sea and, on the other, to the innovation represented by the so-called "unmanned" systems.
WHY SUBMARINE AND WHY “UNMANNED”
As regards the first aspect, there are several elements of strong attention towards what is becoming a sort of operational domain in itself, i.e. "Undersea Warfare". In particular, the most specifically military one should be highlighted; with submarine fleets around the world growing exponentially, thanks to the fact that technologies have evolved greatly and, at the same time, have become relatively more accessible to many more countries. As well as that linked to a broader concept of safety. The attack on the Nord Stream gas pipeline on 22 September 2022 has in fact highlighted both the importance of many infrastructures that run along the seabeds and oceans around the world, and their vulnerability. Hence, an acceleration in terms of attention towards the even more specific area of "seabed warfare".
As regards the aspect linked to the evolution and consequent growing diffusion of "unmanned" systems, the explanation is intuitive; be able to have a growing number of platforms of various types, which can integrate the fleets of "traditional" submarines by carrying out both routine and risky tasks (thus reducing fatigue and risks for humans) and at the same time increasing the presence underwater, turns into an important operational advantage. Especially when these platforms are large and have significant features/capabilities.
And this is the case of the Orca which, within the classification adopted by the US Navy, places itself at the top of the systems that are or will be part of its arsenal, after the "small", "medium" and "large" ones in increasing order of greatness. Therefore considerable dimensions, which will then allow this platform to carry out (potentially) different types of missions.
THE HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM (AND ITS DIFFICULTIES)
In detail, the genesis of this program can be traced back to the second half of the last decade, when the US Navy launched a competition intended to introduce a new XLUUV into service; Two of the most important American defense groups participated in the competition, namely Boeing (which soon allied itself with the Huntington Ingalls Industries, HII shipyards) and Lockheed Martin. In 2019 the choice came from the American Navy, which assigned a contract to Boeing for the construction of 5 Orcas, to which a sixth vessel was later added for experimental purposes only and not in the final configuration.
Before moving on to the technical description of this platform, a few words about the (considerable) difficulties encountered during its development. In fact, although the Orca is based on an already existing vehicle (Boeing's own Echo Voyager), in the end its entry into service ended up accumulating delays and significant cost increases. As regards the former, the delay in delivery of the first example (the "experimental" one) to the US Navy was 3 years; this while the remaining 5 (which will instead be in the definitive configuration) will eventually have accumulated one of approximately 2 years. Even more impressive is the increase in costs; from the initially expected $379 million it has in fact risen to (well) 621 million.
THE TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BOAT
From a technical point of view, the most interesting feature of the Orca is represented by the modular configuration. In fact, with a total length of up to 26 metres, a 10 meter long "bay" with a load capacity of 8 tonnes will be inserted in the central section of this platform; the latter can thus be reconfigured to carry out different missions. The initially planned one will be for laying mines but in the future there are already hypotheses of loads destined to carry out other missions; in the ISR (Intelligence, Sureveillance and Reconnaissance) field for the collection of information, in the ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) field for the discovery and contrast of submarines with any torpedoes on board, for the "strike" of targets such as surface ships and/or or ground targets with missiles, oceanographic research/mapping of the seabed and, finally, search (as well as potential destruction) of mines.
As mentioned, the total length of the Orca will be 26 meters, with a height and width (the shape is essentially box-like) of 2.6 meters; all for a displacement of approximately 80 tons. The configuration of the propulsion system is also very interesting; contained in the section located at the stern of the "bay", it presents a classic diesel-electric scheme, composed of a diesel generator which powers an electric propulsion motor through the on-board batteries. However, alongside this more traditional aspect, we find the innovations represented by the advanced lithium ion batteries and a particular ducted propeller which enhances the silent characteristics of the Orca.
All this has a practical effect; in the sense that, thanks also to a retractable mast which will function both as a "snorkel" to introduce the air necessary for the operation of the diesel engine and as an antenna to exchange information/data with the boat's control station, it is estimated that the range can reach 6,500 miles at an economical speed of 3 knots (with the maximum possible speed still being higher, around 8 knots). Furthermore, not having any particular need linked to the human presence on board, the Orca could remain submerged for months, perhaps remaining stationary in a predetermined position in order to collect information in a totally silent way or to launch a surprise attack; all this while also being able to count on its ability to dive to great depths (3,000 meters are assumed).
Having said that about the rear section of the Orca, all that remains is to describe the front section which is specifically intended to house the various on-board systems. That is, those for navigation (with associated positioning systems), communication and exchange of data (the latter to be understood both arriving at the submarine and exiting in the form of information possibly collected) as well as the sensors intended to assist the navigation itself; including the discovery of obstacles immersed and/or on the seabed.
HOW THE ORCA WILL OPERATE
A final aspect of particular importance is the operating methods. In fact, given its size, the Orca is expected to operate mainly from naval bases or in any case from docks equipped for this purpose. However, it cannot be ruled out that some large units of the American Navy (among those dedicated to special tasks) may be able to deploy it autonomously. A non-trivial question, because such a perspective would guarantee greater flexibility to a platform that already promises to have a lot of it today. It being understood that even if this were not the case, the Orca (or any subsequent systems) will in any case be an important asset available to the US Navy itself, with the promise of significantly changing operations in the submarine environment.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/innovazione/tutto-su-orca-il-nuovo-drone-subacqueo-della-us-navy/ on Sun, 24 Dec 2023 07:51:43 +0000.