**OVERVIEW:** The Orca XLUUV is a cutting-edge Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) operated by the United States Navy. Entering service in 2024, it represents a significant advancement in unmanned naval warfare, offering extended endurance and payload capacity compared to previous UUV designs. The Orca XLUUV is intended to operate autonomously for extended periods, performing a variety of missions traditionally executed by manned submarines.

**DETAILS:**
The Orca XLUUV program emerged from a US Navy initiative to develop a long-range, autonomous underwater platform capable of deploying various payloads. Boeing was selected as the prime contractor, leveraging its experience in unmanned systems and underwater vehicle technology. The design emphasizes modularity and adaptability, with a focus on a large payload bay that can accommodate a variety of mission-specific modules. This allows the Orca XLUUV to be rapidly reconfigured for different roles, enhancing its operational flexibility. The design philosophy prioritizes autonomy, enabling the vehicle to operate independently in complex and contested underwater environments, reducing the risk to personnel and expanding the Navy's operational reach.

The primary roles envisioned for the Orca XLUUV encompass a wide spectrum of missions, including mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare (EW). While not directly engaging in combat in the traditional sense, the Orca XLUUV is designed to provide crucial support to manned platforms. Its ASW support capability involves deploying advanced sensors to detect and track enemy submarines, providing valuable situational awareness to fleet commanders. The Orca Payload Bay allows the vehicle to deploy various MCM modules, including towed sonar arrays and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), significantly enhancing the Navy's ability to clear sea lanes and protect critical infrastructure.

The sensor suite aboard the Orca XLUUV is tailored to its diverse mission profile. The AN/SLQ-37(V)3, incorporating the M Mk5A Magnetic Sweep and A Mk6 Acoustic Sweep, provides a sophisticated means of detecting and neutralizing magnetic and acoustic mines. The AN/SLQ-38 Oropesa [Type O Size 1] further enhances the vehicle's minehunting capabilities. Crucially, a Generic Mine & Obstacle Avoidance system enables autonomous navigation in complex and hazardous underwater environments. The Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical, and Generic Echo Sounder provides capabilities for visual observation and mapping of the seafloor, and a vital backup for automated systems. The large Orca Payload Bay enables deployment of a variety of mission-specific payloads, including advanced sonar systems, communication relays, and other specialized equipment.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 15.5 m || Beam: 2.6 m || Draft: 0.0 m || Disp: 50 t

**SENSORS:** AN/SLQ-37(V)3 [M Mk5A Magnetic Sweep, A Mk6 Acoustic Sweep] || AN/SLQ-38 Oropesa [Type O Size 1] || Generic Mine & Obstacle Avoidance || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Echo Sounder

**ARMAMENT:** Orca Payload Bay