Britain to showcase XLAUV demonstrator in second half of 2024

BAE Systems, the largest defense company in the United Kingdom, has announced a partnership with another English company -  Cellula Robotics. In this collaboration, the two partners will showcase the capabilities of the XLAUV, also known as Herne. The demonstrator will submerge in the second half of 2024.

image source: baesystems.com

Herne is positioned as an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle with extensive customization and modification capabilities. The XLAUV will be much more stealthy than most submarines. The drone will be capable of carrying lightweight towed sonar array or other underwater crafts, including those designed for mine countermeasures.

Autonomous platforms will engage in monitoring large underwater territories and assisting the fleet in avoiding the limitations of manned and highly expensive platforms. Developers highlight Herne's flexibility and extended persistence. The platform is expected to participate in anti-submarine operations, in conjunction with electronic warfare measures, as well ISR.

The demonstrator will show the capabilities of BAE Systems' technology on one of Cellula Robotics' underwater drones. Production of Herne is anticipated to commence within the next 3-5 years.

source: baesystems.com  

Cellula Robotics Initiates Sea Trials of its Solus-XR XLUUV System

The Solus-XR AUV from Cellula Robotics is set to revolutionize underwater exploration and research. With its hydrogen fuel cell technology, this ultra-large class unmanned vehicle is capable of traveling up to 5,000 km without support vessels, making it ideal for missions under the ice. Sea trials have been underway since late August 2023 off the coast of West Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Solus-XR is already being hailed as one of Canada's largest unmanned underwater vehicles ever created.

photo: Cellula Robotics

Designed as an upgrade to the Solus-LR device, the Solus-XR boasts impressive capabilities that make it stand out from other underwater vehicles. Its ability to move along the route "from port to port" means it can operate without the support of a port, making it an invaluable tool for a range of missions. During sea trials, the Solus-XR's surface characteristics and autonomy in a dynamic marine environment will be tested, paving the way for future underwater exploration.

photo: Cellula Robotics

Looking ahead, Cellula Robotics plans to conduct demonstration missions in 2024 to showcase the full range of Solus-XR capabilities in real-world scenarios. With its cutting-edge technology and impressive capabilities, the Solus-XR is set to change the face of underwater exploration and research. \\