Tech start-ups, innovators and academics are being offered the chance to showcase and test their novel sensor and payload technology on the Royal Navy’s first extra large autonomous test submarine.

According to the Ministry of Defence here, the project offers a unique opportunity to undertake at-sea testing and trials of industry and academia innovative prototype technology on the pioneering Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) developed by MSubs Ltd through the first stage of the ‘Developing the Royal Navy’s Autonomous Underwater Capability’ programme with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

“MOD will supply and support the XLUUV to allow for technology to be fitted and integrated, trials to be planned and carried out, and equipment removal. In addition, up to £20k will be made available to innovators who are selected for this opportunity to cover travel and subsistence costs.

The XLUUV will be made available to test on-board systems, sensors and payloads required to support a range of scenarios to help develop the Royal Navy’s understanding of the utility and operational boundaries of uncrewed underwater vehicle systems.”

Full scope and examples of sensor and enabling capabilities we are interested in can be found in the competition document.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Supportive Bloke
Supportive Bloke
3 years ago

Now that is a rather interesting testbed!

Andy P
Andy P
3 years ago

Sounds like a great idea to offer the test bed to anyone with an ‘interesting’ idea. Kudos to The Mob for thinking outside the box on this.

john melling
john melling
3 years ago

Finally an update on the RNs XLUUV

First, read about their potential back in 2019 in the RUSI paper!

They are a great idea and when used as part of the RMs Littoral Operations, Commanded by a new Littoral Operation Vehicle (I hope) and tasked with mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare and strike missions

Progression and integration is a must for these

George Royce
George Royce
3 years ago

Would be nice if one of these beauties were fitted for at least one torpedo.

Last edited 3 years ago by George Royce
James Fennell
James Fennell
3 years ago
Reply to  George Royce

A towed array sonar surely. They could operate from T31s and T26s and massively expand the ASW envelope

Last edited 3 years ago by James Fennell
Randy Anderson
Randy Anderson
3 years ago
Reply to  James Fennell

That’s a great idea:) I tend to think Submarine and their ASW. As we say in the US, Good Show. Oops that’s what your side says:)